Training of primary and secondary school teachers in the usa

For decades, there have been two authorized routes in licensed training of teachers in the United States. The main is a four-year bachelor program embracing two years of general studies (the lower division of the undergraduate college) and two years (the upper division) of more specialized studies.

Requirements for education and certification of early childhood (kindergarten) and elementary (primary) teachers are regulated by state governments, which want multiple exams prior to entering teacher education and again following completion of teacher education but prior to certification.

The initial teaching qualification is the bachelor’s degree plus certification. Most states offer higher levels of certification based on experience and additional education, and many teachers at this level earn the master’s degree. Secondary school teachers are certified as competent in one or more academic or vocational subjects and spend their careers concentrating on these subjects, whereas elementary school teachers – especially for the lower grades – may be certified to teach the full primary course or may specialize, particularly if teaching the more differentiated upper elementary/middle school graders.

All states certify teachers according to subject specializations as well as grade levels/ranges. Specialized non-instructional personnel must also be certified in most states: these individuals include school administrators, school counselors, school health personnel (psychologists, nurses), school librarians and curriculum specialists.

The statements:

1. For decades, there have been three authorized routes in licensed training of teachers in the United States.

2. The main is a five-year programme embracing two years of general studies (the lower division of the undergraduate college) and three years (the upper division) of more specialized studies.

3. The initial teaching qualification is the bachelor’s degree plus certification.

4. Requirements for education and certification of early childhood (kindergarten) and elementary (primary) teachers are set by state governments.

5. Most states offer higher levels of certification based on experience and additional education and many teachers at this level earn the doctoral degree.

XIII. Find the information in the text to prove the following:

1. the main is a four-year programme;

2. the requirements for education and certification of early childhood and elementary teachers are regulated by state governments;

3. elementary school teachers may be certified to teach the full primary course;

4. secondary school teachers are certified as competent in one or more academic subjects.

XIV. Study the list of qualities a good school teacher should possess. Put them in order of importance (add your own ones if you wish):

A good school teacher:

1. has a lot of new ideas;

2. keeps in contact with parents of her or his pupils;

3. is able to maintain discipline and order;

4. works hard to be up-to-date in the subject;

5. encourages the children to learn happily;

6. sets high standards;

7. has a lot of patience and energy;

8. is friendly and helpful to the colleagues;

9. uses a lot of different materials, equipment and teaching methods to make the lessons interesting;

10. is kind;

11. openly admits her or his mistakes.

XV. Read the text and discuss the qualities pupils think necessary for a teacher to have. Make up a scheme of the qualities a teacher should possess:

Teachers should be understanding and patient, should listen to the pupils, give the pupils a chance to speak and share more activities with children. A teacher must establish links with parents, be punctual for lessons, recognize how important it is for a child to take the initiative in school work. And above all a teacher must be kind.

A teacher must praise pupils for good work because when a teacher praises a child, the pupil wants to carry on with it and does it better. A teacher must honestly know his work and his particular subject. A good teacher studies constantly and perfects his knowledge. He should be deeply interested in what he teaches. A teacher must love children and respect them.

kind strict just generous creative

A teacher should be

XVI. Render the following text in English: