Educating a Profession

This report by the Bicentennial Commission on Education for the Profession of Teaching of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education discusses aspects and problems of teaching as a profession and makes recommendations to upgrade the quality of teachers and of teacher education. The first chapter describes characteristics of professions and semi-professions. Chapter two assesses the extent to which teaching falls short of being a full status profession. It examines social factors which bear on teaching, conditions in the schools, and the nature of teaching. Chapter three examines the various elements involved in the governance of teacher education and explores collaborative relationships among participating partners. The fourth chapter considers the questions involved in preservice, inservice, and continuing teacher preparation. This chapter also highlights the concept of adequate "life space" within which teacher educators can conduct effective initial preparation and subsequent life-long efforts at professional proficiency. Chapter five considers the issues of individual and institutional quality control and explores their implications for certification, program approval, recruitment and selection, and supply and demand. This chapter also addresses the problems of adequate resources and necessary funding. The final section summarizes and clarifies some concepts and themes which have special meaning for the Commission. (Author/CD)