Innovation at Georgia State University: NET-Q
The Innovations Inventory of AACTE’s Innovation Exchange is an online database highlighting members’ pioneering practices in educator preparation that have shown a positive impact on issues of student learning, preparation program advancement, or educator workforce needs. This blog post is one in a series highlighting entries from the inventory. To request inclusion of your institution’s innovations, contact Zachary VanHouten at zvanhouten@aacte.org.
Georgia State University (GSU) is the largest producer of minority educators in the state of Georgia and graduates approximately 500 teachers annually. GSU’s Network for Enhancing Teacher Quality (NET-Q) program aims to increase teacher quality in urban and rural areas in Georgia. The program includes both pre- and postbaccalaureate initiatives for educators serving high-need school districts in these settings.
NET-Q boasts a partnership with at least 15 rural PK-12 schools, local businesses, two historically Black colleges, and the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future.
In one component of the program, master’s-level teacher candidates embark on a 1-year teaching residency in which they spend a full year in a PK-12 classroom with a mentor teacher to prepare to become math or science teachers. Throughout the year, candidates complete their graduate-level university course work, which is built around their classroom work. The program also includes comprehensive mentorship experiences, induction programs for new teachers, and enhanced professional learning opportunities for faculty and PK-12 district partners.
The program is proving to be very successful. It has brought GSU a 12% increase in STEM teacher production and a 300% increase in the expansion of ESOL endorsements for elementary candidates. The program also has boosted the number of male candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups, including a 3.5% increase in African American candidates. Furthermore, program graduates enjoy a 92% retention rate past their 3rd year of teaching.
To learn more about GSU or other institutions participating in the Innovations Inventory, visit http://theinnovationexchange.net/programs/innovations-inventory/.
Tags: advocacy, clinical preparation, content areas, data, diversity, inclusion, school-university partnerships, teacher quality, urban education
