Despite the work of teachers laying the foundation for careers beyond secondary school, The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) says there are not enough well-prepared educators in the pipeline to teach.
SREB represents and works with 16 states to improve public education at every level. In their latest report, "Teacher Career Pathways and Advancement Options" they emphasize the urgency to make the teaching profession more attractive through accessible and high-quality teacher pathways.
“Over the last decade in the South, in our 16 States, we've had a 23% drop in completions from ed prep programs–that includes traditional and alternative programs,” said Megan Boren, SREB Project Manager and report co-author. “The incoming generation seems less inclined to go into teaching.”
However, there is an increase in older career changers coming into the teaching profession through alternative routes. According to the report, this twofold issue can be solved through consistent pathways across the board.
Dr. Stephen Pruitt
"These pathways need to provide quality routes with rigorous standards, no matter which way you're coming in, no matter what background that you have,” said Boren in an interview with Diverse.
Career pathways, as defined by SREB in the report, require six key elements: alignment, data analysis, college and career readiness, stackable credentials, systems of guidance and support and continuing education and career advancement.
