UNC System, public education leaders team up to help K-12 students prepare for college
CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The UNC Board of Governors met Tuesday to consider solutions to what many call a crisis in the classroom: too few people wanting to be teachers.
Gov. Pat McCrory and UNC President Tom Ross were among those who addressed the crowd. In the audience: the Board of Governors, most of the universities chancellors, and N.C. School Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson.
Among the solutions proposed:
- Clinical training for teachers, much like in medical professions
- Public-private teacher scholarship program to help new teachers pay for school
- Stronger recruitment and selection criteria for new teachers
- Increased pay for teachers with in-field advanced degrees
- Strengthened partnerships between teaching colleges and K-12 schools
Atkinson said the need for change is critical.
"We have seen an almost 12 percent decrease of the number of people entering teacher preparation programs from 2013-2014," said Atkinson. "That means we will be facing a looming shortage of qualified teachers for our classrooms in the future. If we do not have an ample supply of teachers, then we will have a revolving door, we will see our student achievement decline and it's not a good picture if we do not have quality teachers in the classroom."
McCrory voiced similar support for the initiatives.
"There is an overwhelming body of evidence that when it comes to education, the critical factor is the teacher and the principal who leads the school," said McCrory.
McCrory said one of his priorities in 2015 will be securing minimum pay for all North Carolina teachers at $35,000. It was a promise the governor made last year and one he says he'll work to fulfill in the coming months.
