Enrollment in teacher preparation programs is down, and fewer young people are seeking careers in education. In the latest episode of CEA’s podcast, CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey talk with Kate Cummings, chair of CEA’s Aspiring Educators Program, about what the state can do to address barriers steering college students away from a career in teaching.
From low starting salaries to the onerous and expensive edTPA assessment to unpaid student teaching, there’s a lot to dissuade college students from the profession before they even have a classroom of their own.
“Teaching is already an underpaid profession, but student teachers don’t get paid for working a full-time job all semester, and it is highly discouraged to get a second job because of all the planning you have to do,” says Cummings. “Paying full tuition because I’m a full time student, paying gas to get to where I’m going, and I still have to live somewhere and pay for food—it’s a big challenge.”
There’s still time for the governor and legislature to take action this legislative session and enact higher starting salaries, hero pay, uninterrupted prep time, tax credits, the elimination of edTPA, and more. Contact the governor today.
Listen to the conversation with Kate Cummings below, or wherever you get your podcasts.
