The gold standard for teacher training is a four-year university program that properly prepares educators for the demands of the classroom. There are other ways to gain certification, known as alternative paths, that traditionally have been used as a stepping stone to full certification.
More than a decade ago, however, Idaho began allowing fast-track alternate routes to certification. This was intended as a temporary measure to increase the number of teachers working in Idaho — but what was once intended as a stopgap measure has become entrenched practice. Chronically underfunded school districts continue to employ educators who hold alternative certification but often lack the critical knowledge and skills needed to help students succeed.
Licensure through a four-year university teacher certification program is the most effective way to ensure high-quality educators are in Idaho’s classrooms.
Why It Matters
There are three crucial ways that expertise is demonstrated in the classroom
The educator displays certified expertise in the academic subject they will teach. Through a four-year university teacher preparation program, educators gain both the deep content knowledge and the specialized training required to help students master complex material and think critically about the world around them.
The method and practice of teaching, such as how students learn and how to teach their specific academic subject or subjects. University-based teacher education programs prepare educators to understand child development, learning theory, and evidence-based teaching strategies—skills that cannot be replaced by short-term training or on-the-job learning alone.
The study and practice of how to keep students organized, orderly, focused, attentive, engaged and academically productive during a class. Teacher certification programs include supervised classroom experience and mentorship that help future educators learn to build positive classroom environments where all students can thrive.
Why We Care
Poorer standards for our educators lead to poorer outcomes for our students. Educators invest time, money and effort learning their profession, earning certification and sharpening skills throughout their careers. Diluting standards robs students of an educator at the top of their practice, negates educators’ investment in their careers and trivializes expectations of these important professionals.
Idaho students will enter the workforce in an increasingly competitive world. They deserve to learn from the best during their critical, formative years.
By The Numbers
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