Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
Transforming the Learning Environment
April 4-6, 2004
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Carol Helton, Tennessee Board of Regents Robbie Kendal-Melton, Tennessee Board of Regents Track 3 - Supporting the Transformative Environment |
Abstract
The State Board of Education, the Tennessee Department of Education, and the Tennessee Board of Regents have established a partnership to enhance P-12 education, to assure that "No Child in Tennessee is Left Behind", to prepare teachers for the 21st century technological age, and to address the shortage of teachers in the state of Tennessee. Using online technology, teachers are able to obtain additional endorsements in areas such as Science, Math, and Special Education, complete a Master's of Education Degree, continue their professional development, and participate in online mentoring activities.
Description
This presentation will provide details regarding the collaboration that has resulted in the newly established Teacher Education component of the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) that will enable teachers throughout the state of Tennessee to continue their professional growth and development in order to meet the challenges facing educators today.
Motivation:
Tennessee Schools are facing major challenges regarding the increasing demand for qualified teachers. According to statistics from the Tennessee Department of Education, the current workforce consists of approximately 57,000 teachers. In 2000-2001, the state hired 5,734 new teachers. In that same year, Tennesseeís public and private colleges graduated 3,750 students majoring in teacher education. While the stateís annual turnover rate is only 8%, approximately half of the newly hired teachers will leave the workforce within the first five years. Without intervention, the demand for teachers will soon exceed the supply of qualified applicants.
Another challenge involves the increasing number of waivers and permits that are issued annually. In 1997-1998, there were 424 teachers on waivers and 701 on permits. By the year 2001-2002 that number had doubled with 862 requiring waivers and 1755 on permits; therefore, 4.3% of the faculty were teaching outside their discipline/certification area. Clearly, these numbers must be reduced as the state strives for teachers to meet the ìhighly qualifiedî standards established in No Child Left Behind.
The quality of the current workforce is also a concern. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) awards national certification to teachers who successfully complete a rigorous evaluation process. Tennessee has recognized the potential impact of NBTS in regard to teaching excellence, and therefore, has incorporated NBPTS into its teacher licensure standards. As of November 2002, only 65 of the 57,000 teachers in Tennessee had attained national board certification. One of the goals in Tennesseeís master plan is to significantly increase the number of NBPTS certified teachers.Major Aspects
To meet these challenges, the State Board of Education, the Tennessee Department of Education, and the Tennessee Board of Regents have established a partnership. In the 2003 Master Plan for Tennessee Schools, the State Board of Education outlined the mission, vision, and goals for preparing for the 21st Century. The Tennessee Board of Regents Online Degree Program is a key component in the several of the goals of Teacher Education and Professional Growth.
Mission of Regents Online Degree Programs
The primary mission of the Regents Online Degree Programs (RODP) is to provide a better life for Tennesseans through education. RODP,†using technology, improves access to high quality, affordable, student-centered learning opportunities through cooperation among its six TBR Universities. The six universities, which include Austin Peay State University (APSU), East Tennessee State University, (ETSU), Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Tennessee State University (TSU), Tennessee Technological University (TTU), and The University of Memphis (UM), have collaborated with the Regents Online Degree Program to offer a Teacher Education Program that offers an online master degree program, add-on endorsements, and Alternative C licensure.