Major Forum Preview: The Future of the Teaching Credential
State and national policy trends around teaching credentials will be the focus of a major forum at AACTE’s 2014 Annual Meeting, “Maintaining the Value of the Teaching Credential: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The teaching credential is facing challenges at all levels. Several states have devalued the worth of the master’s degree as it relates to advanced certification, and others now award the same credential to new teachers regardless of whether they have completed their preparation. At the federal level, serious discussions are taking place as to what standard, if any, should exist to enter the teaching profession.
The AACTE major forum, to be held Sunday, March 2, 2:00-3:30 p.m., will examine how the teaching credential is faring in the policy world. Panelists will discuss state and federal developments on this issue and what opportunities might exist to move the conversation forward.
The following panelists are confirmed:
- John Affeldt is managing attorney with Public Advocates, where he has been deeply involved in the debate at the federal level and in California over the highly qualified teacher definition.
- Arnold Fege, with Public Advocacy for Kids, has been a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent and has worked tirelessly on the issue of equity in education at both the state and federal levels.
- Jennie Whitcomb, associate dean of education at the University of Colorado Boulder, has been closely engaged with state policy work around licensure and certification issues in Colorado.
- Jane West, senior vice president of Policy, Programs, and Professional Issues at AACTE, will serve as moderator.
Mark your calendars for what promises to be a fascinating discussion about the experiences of the participants as they have engaged in the policy arena at both federal and state levels. You can add the major forum to your personalized schedule using AACTE’s new Event Planner.
Tags: accreditation, events, federal issues, state policy
