Butler launches teacher education program
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Butler University is introducing a new program designed to address the state’s teacher shortage. Butler says its Teacher-Led, Teacher Education program will offer training and support to new teachers, as well as alternatively credentialed teachers, emergency-permitted teachers, and long-term substitute teachers.
Butler says a high rate of attrition among teachers, combined with an insufficient pipeline of degreed educators, has led to significant increases in alternative teaching credentials and emergency permits.
The university cites a 2016 report from the Indiana Commission of Higher Education, which found that Indiana has the third highest rate in the U.S. of educators who leave the field for reasons other than retirement.
“Indiana’s K-12 schools are doing everything they can to ensure they have enough teachers for their classrooms, but it’s a struggle,” said Shelly Furness, professor in Butler University’s College of Education. “Our schools are filled with newly hired teachers who have great intentions and a willingness to do this important work, but simply aren’t equipped enough yet to succeed in this complex role. Our newly hired teachers and those asked to stretch beyond their preparation areas need additional training and practical support that can quickly get them up to speed and make them more effective in the classroom.”
The program begins with an 8-hour, self-paced foundations module, which covers lesson planning, classroom management, developmental theory, and assessment. The next step will see participants continue with subject-specific modules, including English, English as a new language, mathematics, science, social studies, and world language.
Butler says the program will offer participants the opportunity to learn about e-learning and classroom technology, developmental attributes of learners ages 11–18, plan activities, lessons, and units, as well as different types of assessments.
Butler’s first cohort of teachers is scheduled to start the first training module later this month.