English Language Learners – “All are invited”

The Need for Teachers in Washington State

Before reading on, think for a minute how many teachers you were taught by throughout your education.

How many did you have?

Why the need?

Washington schools are in need of teachers for several reasons:

• To serve as role models for children.
• To help represent Washington’s student population.
• To create school communities that reflects the values in our society.

What can be done to help recruit students into the education field?

• Offer financial incentives, including scholarships and forgivable loans to attract talented students into teaching.
• Establish outreach programs designed to reach students while they are in middle school and high school.
• Target recruitment programs for students , ranging from college-based efforts to national campaigns.

What can Washington State colleges do to recruit future teachers?

• Require all state colleges to visit a minimum number of high schools with the following three objectives:
  1. Encourage all students to attend college.
  2. Encourage students to attend their specific college.
  3. Encourage students to consider College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences.
• Require every state college to establish a recruitment program.
• Provide scholarship programs for all teachers under the condition that they work in a specified school district for a set number of years.

How can today’s teachers help?

• Encourage students from all backgrounds to volunteer and tutor in lower grades.
• Utilize mentorship programs that encourage students to seek higher education, teaching in particular.
• Incorporate a wide variety of diverse role models as guest speakers in the classroom.

Estimated Statistics

Nationally

• 14% Teachers
• 35% Students
  

Washington State Schools

• 5% Teachers
• 15% Students
  

Nationally

• 97.3% of teachers in public schools only speak one language

For More Information:

• Washington Learning: The Gateway to K-12 Education in Washington State website
• Urban Hotline 1-800-969-TEACH
  *Designed to assist future teacher candidates
• Recruiting New Teachers, Inc. 1-800-45-TEACH
  385 Concord Avenue Suite 100
  Belmont, MA 02178
• Washington State University’s Future Teachers Program
  *A program designed to recruit and retain future teachers.

Rationale

As future educators ourselves, we felt it was important to provide information regarding the need for teachers in our public schools. The population of teachers is projected to decline while the population of students is projected to dramatically increase in the years to come. We see this as potential disaster for the youth of our society. Teachers have traditionally held a position of high esteem in communities. Many all cultures have historically seen education as a doorway to professional, social, and economic opportunities. The representation of these cultures in the classroom is necessary in helping these students unlock the door.

Contributed by

Class of T&L 333 Spring, 1999

David, Kristen, Mandy, and Jenell