What Are Your Good Teacher Priorities? Report | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News

December 06, 2011 11:18:39 AM

Recruiting and Screening For Top Talent:

High Pay:

Good Training for Teachers Entering the System:

Small Class Size:

Hold Teachers Accountable Through Test Results:

What else goes into recruiting, evaluating, and retaining great teachers?:

Historically speaking, this profession was dominated by women, and thus, of low status. High pay can change that perception. I mean high as in stockbroker high. Why not? Are we serious about this or not?
As a retired teacher I can attest to the lack of proper training. Any prospective teacher should spend at least 1 year as a paid apprentice working along side an experienced teacher in the classroom, everyday, all day. The best of my teacher training/education was as a student teacher. Finally, I disagree with Bloomberg's premise. Good schools are made by good students, not good teachers. Good teachers make good students better, but can have only a marginal affect on bad students. By good students I mean those who are motivated and with a stable home environment. If people think that's true for all NYC kids, they are sadly mistaken.

When it comes to getting the best teachers possible into the system, what are your priorities? Rank the approaches below from 1-5, with 1 being your highest priority.