Alternative Routes To Teaching Certifications

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - While almost all local colleges and universities have teacher preparation programs, since 2006, 4 out of 10 new public school teachers have come through alternative programs.

In a study by the National Center for Education Information, "Profile of Teachers in the U.S. 2011," reported in Education Week, alternative route teachers tend to be in favor of performance pay, elimination of tenure and use of student achievement in teacher evaluations.

Nearly all teachers regardless of certification route believe that incompetent teachers should be removed regardless of seniority. Twenty-six percent of all public school teachers have 5 years experience or less. The study showed that more teachers are satisfied with their status in their communities than in the past.

Also found is that teachers today are younger, less experienced and increasingly female. Twenty-two percent are below 30 and 84% are white although alternative programs bring in more males and more minorities.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio