Waking Rip Van Winkle: A proposal to redesign the education workforce. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reutzel, D. Ray; Fawson, Parker C.
• Is Part Of: Phi Delta Kappan. Volume 103:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: teachers -- education -- workforce -- redesign -- integrated workforce -- interns -- student teachers -- teacher preparation -- grow-your-own -- teacher pipeline -- para-educators; Education -- United States -- Periodicals; Greek letter societies -- Periodicals; Onderwijs; Éducation -- Périodiques; Associations désignées par des lettres grecques -- Périodiques; Éducation; Enseignement; Pédagogie; Politique éducative; Recherche en éducation; Réforme du système éducatif; Services aux élèves; Système éducatif; États-Unis; Étude comparée (Descripteur de forme); Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 371.0097305
• DOI: 10.1177/00317217211058510
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-7217

Abstract

The education model in which a single teacher instructs a single classroom of students has been remarkably persistent, but teacher shortages, low morale, and poor teacher retention are signs that it's not working well for teachers. Ray Reutzel and Parker Fawson describe how Utah's Center for the School of the Future is seeking to redesign the teacher workforce to improve outcomes for both teachers and students without increasing costs. Their integrated workforce model brings students together in a pod led by a master teacher, classroom teachers, teacher interns, aides, and tutors. Students receive more individualized support, and prospective teachers have more opportunities to practice their skills before receiving a license and becoming a lead teacher. The model also includes pathways for paraprofessionals to complete education coursework while they continue to earn an income .