University of Phoenix College of Education Establishes Boot Camp to Prepare Student Teachers Amid National Teacher Shortage
2024年8月3日 - 3:51AM
ビジネスワイヤ(英語)
Intensive training complements flexible online
programs, empowering aspiring educators to meet demand
University of Phoenix College of Education proudly supports the
success of student teachers with its course, “Prepping for Student
Teaching Success,” informally known as “boot camp.” The boot camp,
along with flexible online degree programs, are part of the College
of Education’s significant contribution to addressing the pressing
issue of the national teacher shortage.
The scarcity of qualified teachers across the nation has been a
growing concern, with many regions experiencing challenges in
filling essential teaching positions. Current estimates point to
55,000 vacant full-time teaching positions in the United States. In
response to this need, the College of Education remains committed
to preparing dedicated and passionate educators who can make a
positive impact in classrooms nationwide.
“While COVID-19 is firmly in the rearview mirror for many work
environments, the College of Education continues to address
lingering aspects of the pandemic on educators,” shares Dean of the
College of Education, Dr. Pamela Roggeman. “Relaxed certification
requirements in response to a COVID-induced wave of educators
leaving the field triggered a new reality for many student
teachers. Some school districts began compensating student teachers
to entice them to complete their programs and address the teacher
shortage.”
The change in certification requirements was a welcome
development for students facing financial barriers due to the
traditionally unpaid three months of student teaching. This policy
shift encouraged some students to return and complete their student
teaching requirements. While this helped address immediate teacher
staffing needs, it did not address the potential skill decline when
students pause their education due to external circumstances. The
pause many took in their programs resulted in some returning
students needing a refresher on the basic elements of instruction,
which made up the bootcamp content.
To help these students, the College of Education created the
boot camp, featuring five modules:
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning and instruction
- Professional dispositions
- Social/emotional learning
- Understanding the edTPA assessment
Another issue some student teachers face is a lack of classroom
mentorship due to the teacher shortage. Student teachers often find
themselves as “teachers of record” — managing classrooms without
the traditional model of certified teachers being in the classroom
for support, yet still under the supervision of faculty
supervisors.
“As novice teachers, they need more support,” shares Roggeman.
“We intentionally created training resources to help faculty
supervisors in the schools where our students are placed. We work
hard to know these supervisors so we can help them coach their
student teachers. Additionally, we moved up our on-site
informational meeting and midterm evaluation schedule to earlier in
the student teachers’ field assignments so we can triage problems
they might be experiencing.”
The 2024 Career Optimism Index® study, released by University of
Phoenix’s Career Institute®, found that educators encounter career
challenges that may contribute to the ongoing shortage of teachers,
including reporting a lack of opportunities for
upskilling/development (19%) and lack of clear pathways for career
progression (17%). The study revealed educators need the most
support in these four areas: learning new skills (61%), seeking
outgrowth opportunities (56%), expanding their professional network
(53%) and learning new skills or tools related to AI (53%).
University of Phoenix’s dedicated emphasis on adult learners
offers an ideal pathway to support student teachers, teachers
looking to upskill, or those aiming to transition careers into
teaching or for parents deeply engaged in their children's school
environments who aspire to become educators. Through rigorous
academic programs, hands-on experience, and experienced
instructors, the College continues to nurture the talents and
aspirations of future teachers, empowering them to excel in their
chosen profession.
Learn more here about the College of Education at University of
Phoenix.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance
their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world.
Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning,
skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree
programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students
more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while
balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit
phoenix.edu.
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Michele Mitchum University of Phoenix
michele.mitchum@phoenix.edu