As student enrollments in U.S. public schools continue to become increasingly diverse, it is imperative that the demographics of the teaching population become diverse as well (Lewis, 2006). As such, this study provides an examination of the status of minority teachers in U.S. public schools. It has three interrelated objectives: to document the…

The Texas State Middle and Secondary Mathematics Project is an innovative graduate degree program at Stephen F. Austin State University in partnership with 27 regional public school districts with the intent to prepare highly qualified mathematics practitioner-leaders at the middle and secondary levels. Designed to address acute teacher shortages…

The current shortage of teachers, owing primarily to retention and the shortfall in the field of special education, presents serious staffing concerns for serving children with special needs. Beyond supply considerations, teacher preparation programs are an integral part of the solution. Deci, Koestner, and Ryan (1999) described the role of…

This article describes four myths about teacher quality commonly associated with the 2001 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation. Myth 1 explores the hypothesis that generating an endless supply of new teachers to solve the teacher shortage is the best way to alleviate any real teacher shortage. Myth 2 tackles the assertion that academic ability…

Many states, including Texas, use alternative certification programs to address projected teacher shortages and recruit highly qualified individuals into the teaching profession. Texas's State Board for Educator Certification has developed a framework of assumptions to facilitate the design of a system to ensure that all educators are recruited,…

Findings from a study of 63 Texas teachers, which investigated the viability of the Alternative Certification Program (ACP) at University of Texas El Paso in training teachers, indicated that academic and classroom performance were similar for teachers from traditional teacher education programs, ACP teachers, and emergency permit teachers. (IAH)

The outlook for increased numbers of minority science and math teachers in Texas is bleak unless radical changes take place in strengthening the requirements for minority students to enroll in and successfully complete an appropriate curriculum of mathematics in public schools. (IAH)

Recent teacher shortages have led teacher preparation programs to more actively recruit postbaccalaureate students into teaching. The purpose of this exploratory study was to gain useful recruitment information by investigating why postbaccalaureate students are interested in teaching as a new career. A survey was constructed based on interview…

This article examines various policy responses to the need for more mathematics and science teachers and discusses characteristics of alternative teacher preparation programs. A program model for alternative certification of math and science teachers, developed at Texas A & M University, is presented along with lessons from its implementation.…

Discusses a project using cooperative learning as a tool for building learning communities of minority teachers in Texas, describing academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills, and collaboration in relation to 50 teachers participating in the project. Cooperative learning and teacher empowerment brought teachers closer together in a short…

Texas's Teacher Early Entry Paraprofessional training program is a collaborative effort between several Texas school districts and a teacher preparation program to help remedy severe teacher shortages in programs serving limited-English-speaking students. The paper describes the program's essential programs, its benefits, and the challenges faced…

Describes Texas'"Enhancing the Quality and Retention of Minority Teachers and Teachers in Critical Shortage Areas Project" which uses peer coaching in teacher training, incorporating accountability, assistance, and professional development systems. Peer coaching helps support first year teachers by promoting their professional and…

This article examines the need for preparing highly qualified teachers and the challenge of preparing future generations of citizens. Examining the historical antecedents of "highly qualified," beginning with the 1954 "Brown" decision, I ground my position on the role of schools and colleges of education in preparing educators…

Discusses the shortage of minority teachers in the United States and in Texas. Recruitment and retention in teacher education can be improved with financial aid, partnerships between two- and four-year institutions, articulation between universities and public school systems, and establishment of a university climate that rewards minority…