Senators Hear Appeal for More Teacher Training
Math and science teachers are having a tough time making the transition from traditional teaching methods to more effective inquiry-based learning, a prize-winning elementary school teacher told U.S. senators May 6, appealing for more professional development programs. Susan Naylor, right, a mathematical instructional coach from Woods County, West Virginia, testified before the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which is preparing legislation to reauthorize major government-funded research and education programs.
“Research indicates that children acquire and retain deeper conceptual understanding of both mathematics and science through experiential problem solving,” said Naylor, who won a 2008 presidential award for excellence in math and science teaching. “However, many teachers have not received sufficient professional development to feel confident using these new strategies and materials, so they fall back on what is familiar, even though not as effective.” Naylor also urged adoption of new certifications, such as for elementary math specialists; more incentives for teachers to seek certification in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM; better recognition of STEM teachers; and “fair and equitable salaries.”
Filed under: K-12 Education News
