University of Phoenix Launches Intensive Training to Combat National Teacher Shortage in the USA

University of Phoenix Launches Intensive Training to Combat National Teacher Shortage in the USA
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The USA faces a significant national teacher shortage, with around 55,000 full-time teaching positions unfilled. This shortage has placed pressure on educational institutions to find and prepare qualified teachers to meet the growing demand. The University of Phoenix College of Education is addressing this issue through targeted training programs designed to support future educators.

Introducing the Intensive Training Course

The University of Phoenix College of Education has introduced an intensive training course, informally known as the "boot camp," to prepare student teachers for the classroom. This course complements the university’s flexible online degree programs and aims to better equip aspiring educators to handle classroom challenges.

Course Structure and Objectives

The boot camp consists of five comprehensive modules covering critical aspects of teaching:

• Classroom management
• Lesson planning and instruction
• Professional dispositions
• Social/emotional learning
• Understanding the edTPA assessment

These modules are designed to provide student teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed, especially in environments with limited mentorship due to the teacher shortage.

Support for Student Teachers

Student teachers often manage classrooms independently, a role traditionally supported by certified teachers. To mitigate this challenge, the College of Education has developed training resources for faculty supervisors. The university has also adjusted its on-site informational meetings and midterm evaluations to provide timely support and address any issues student teachers may encounter.

Financial Support and Refreshers

In light of the teacher shortage, some school districts are compensating student teachers to encourage the completion of their programs. This policy shift has helped reduce financial barriers associated with the traditionally unpaid student teaching period. The boot camp also addresses the need for refreshers on instructional basics for returning students who experienced pauses in their education.

Responding to the Pandemic’s Impact

Dr. Pamela Roggeman, Dean of the College of Education, explains that the “Prepping for Student Teaching Success” course was developed in response to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. "While COVID-19 is firmly in the rearview mirror for many work environments, the College of Education continues to address lingering aspects of the pandemic on educators," Roggeman stated.

Challenges Highlighted by Career Optimism Index

The 2024 Career Optimism Index study by the University of Phoenix’s Career Institute highlights several challenges faced by educators, including a lack of upskilling opportunities and clear career progression pathways. Educators require support in learning new skills, seeking growth opportunities, expanding professional networks, and understanding new tools related to AI.

University of Phoenix’s Proactive Approach

The University of Phoenix focuses on adult learners, providing pathways for student teachers, those looking to upskill, career changers, and parents interested in becoming educators. Roggeman emphasized the university’s proactive approach: "We intentionally created training resources to help faculty supervisors in the schools where our students are placed. Additionally, we moved up our on-site informational meeting and midterm evaluation schedule to earlier in the student teachers’ field assignments so we can triage problems they might be experiencing."