teacher certification Shortcuts Shortchange Our Students
Idaho deserves educators who have invested in their students’ futures through four-year university teacher certification programs.
The Issue:
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.
Time and again, research shows an educator’s expertise is the single most important variable for student achievement. There are three crucial ways that expertise is demonstrated in the classroom.
Subject matter content knowledge:
The educator displays certified expertise in the academic subject they will teach.
Pedagogy and the science of teaching:
The method and practice of teaching, such as how students learn and how to teach their specific academic subject or subjects.
Classroom management:
The study and practice of how to keep students organized, orderly, focused, attentive, engaged and academically productive during a class.
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
92%
The number of Idahoans who say ensuring teachers have up-to-date training and certifications is important.
#1
High-quality educators in the classroom are the most important indicator of student success.
It's Expensive
Fast-track alternate licensure costs taxpayers more because of the need for retraining or replacing poorly prepared teachers.
Take Action:
How you can take action: You can help us hold Idaho to a better professional education standard. Tell your legislators that Idaho children deserve to learn from the best and support four-year university teacher certification.
Teacher Training FAQs
Why is it important to protect professional standards?
High-quality educators in the classroom are the most important indicator of student success. Educators invest time, money and effort learning their profession, earning certification and sharpening skills throughout their careers.
Dilution of standards robs students of an educator at the top of their practice, negates educators’ investment in their careers and trivializes expectations of such important professionals.
Do alternative educator certification paths make sense?
Yes, if they are seen and used as a pathway to full certification. Fast-track alternate licensure often shortchanges students and costs taxpayers more because of the need for retraining or replacing poorly prepared teachers.
What professional standards do certified educators bring to the classroom?
1. Subject Matter Content Knowledge – Certified expertise in the academic subject they will teach.
2. Pedagogy and the Science of Teaching — The method and practice of teaching; how students learn and how to teach their specific academic subject or subjects.
3. Classroom Management — Study and practice of how to keep students organized, orderly, focused, attentive, engaged and academically productive during a class.