WAKING RIP VAN WINKLE A proposal to redesign the education workforce

• Published in: Phi Delta Kappan Vol. 103; no. 3; pp. 22 - 27
• Main Authors: Reutzel, D. Ray, Fawson, Parker C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA Sage Publications, Inc 01.11.2021; SAGE Publications; Phi Delta Kappa
• Subjects: Design; Education; Educational Change; Educational Facilities Design; Labor Force Development; Master Teachers; Students; Teacher Aides; Teacher Collaboration; Teacher Education Programs; Teacher Interns; Teacher Responsibility; Teacher Role; Teachers; Teamwork; Tutors; WHO WILL TEACH?; Workforce; Utah; student teachers; education; integrated workforce; redesign; interns; teachers; para-educators; teacher preparation; teacher pipeline; workforce; grow-your-own
• ISSN: 0031-7217; 1940-6487
• DOI: 10.1177/00317217211058510

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.