09 Mar On Deck: Preparing the Next Generation of Teachers

In 2015, 18 National Teacher Fellows collaborated with the U.S. Department of Education and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education to formulate questions on a topic affecting experienced and aspiring teachers, alike: teacher preparation.

This teacher-led, teacher-sourced research project spanned six weeks, consisting of virtual and in-person engagement, included the perspectives of nearly 2,000 current classroom teachers regarding their pathways to certification. The research findings in On Deck: Preparing the Next Generation of Teachers reveal data collected from educators spanning 49 states and a variety of experience levels, especially pertaining to:

• Curriculum addressing college- and career-ready standards
• Preparation for serving high-need/persistently low-achieving populations
• Beneficial experiences for preservice teachers
• Accountability measures for teacher preparation programs

We believe that classroom educators have experience and insight that can help preparation programs improve in order to better prepare future educators. This report is designed to jump-start that conversation and our National Teacher Fellows stand ready to collaborate with their states and districts, preparation programs, and policy leaders to assist with this growth.

Click to read the full On Deck report or the On Deck Executive Summary.