SMHC

On Tuesday, Education Secretary-Designate Arne Duncan went before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Of the thirty-two questions asked of Duncan, eight dealt with SMHC issues, including topics such as pay-for-performance; alternative teacher accreditation; efforts to support and retain teachers; and education entrepreneur organizations.

Duncan drew on his experience as Chicago schools chief to address Senator Barbara Mikulski’s question on how he planned to recruit, retain, and retool teachers. Duncan credited the hard work ethic of Chicago teachers for the improvement in Chicago public schools, and noted an increase in young people who are committed to making a difference. Acknowledging that the economic crisis may bode well for teacher recruitment, Duncan said he intended to travel the country to recruit top students from universities. Senator Mikulski also pressured Duncan to describe his plan for retaining teachers. In response, Duncan discussed a need for mentoring programs that support young people who, after entering teaching, do not feel supported or listened to. He stated that mentoring programs, clear career ladders for growth, and better training programs for principals will help to create an environment that reduces teacher attrition and turnover.

Filed under: Education Community News