Education school students successful

I appreciate the discussion about the future of teaching and education presented in last Tuesday’s IDS editorial. But I’d like to correct some misconceptions and elaborate about why teaching should have plenty of appeal.

One important point is that teaching jobs will be there. The editorial accurately voices concern about teacher retirements. Combined with population growth, that’s one reason the U.S. Department of Labor projects that positions for postsecondary teachers will grow 23 percent in the decade of 2006 to 2016, a projection that holds for Indiana as well.

That means a true opportunity for new teachers. Already, nearly 90 percent of our School of Education graduates get jobs right after earning their degree.

Unlike the trend pointed out in the editorial, however, our graduates are successful and plan to stay in the profession. A survey of recent IU-Bloomington graduates found that over 80 percent intend to keep teaching. Those teachers noted they felt well-prepared for the classroom, which is surely one of the reasons they are successful.

Another survey confirmed their perception. Indiana principals ranked School of Education graduates as strongly or excellently prepared when compared to other teachers they have recently hired.

And we have new pathways for qualified students to reach the classroom. Just last month, we announced a collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences to allow students to earn a bachelor of science degree in math or chemistry and a master of science in secondary education while also becoming licensed to teach.

 Our “Transition to Teaching” program also allows career-changers and recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees in subject areas taught in schools to become teachers at a quicker pace while still holding them to our high admission standards and the rigors of a teaching license.

Though you probably won’t become rich, the reason to choose teaching is exactly as President Barack Obama has said: If you want to make a difference and make the most of your talents and dedication, become a teacher. We invite more to explore the opportunities the school of education has to offer and join our growing list of proud and successful alumni.

Gerardo Gonzalez
Dean, IU School of Educatio