Teachers have the greatest impact on student achievement. However, fewer people are entering the teaching profession, educators are retiring in large numbers and today's worker switches careers several times during their life.
Through our Passport to Teaching program, ABCTE provides professionals an opportunity to change careers and become teachers. We understand the challenges you face when pursuing your teaching license. We know the costs and the length of time associated with traditional routes may not be the right fit for you.
ABCTE also appreciates the importance of recognizing and rewarding the extraordinary educators already in our nation's classrooms. We are developing a Distinguished Teacher certification to identify talented teachers based on factors such as student gains, excellent teaching practice and subject matter knowledge.
Is it time you pursued your dreams? Become a teacher today.
The Need for Teachers
| Anatomy of the teacher shortage | How ABCTE is making an impact |
|---|---|
| Teachers are Retiring in Record Numbers: 1 in 5 teachers will retire in the next 5 years. | ABCTE is working with school districts throughout the United States to bring more teachers into the profession. |
| College Students are Less Likely to Study Education - In 1970, 25% of Bachelor's and Master's degrees were in Education. In 2006, that number was down to 14%. | ABCTE offers an alternative route to keep our schools' classrooms full of quality teachers. |
| Changing Careers is Common - According to the Department of Labor, 18-40 year olds held an average of 10 jobs and changed careers 5 times. | When lawyers, business professionals and engineers look to change careers, ABCTE helps them find a classroom of their own. |
| Need for New Teachers - America’s children will need 2 million new teachers by 2014. | ABCTE works to recruit teachers in high need subjects such as Science and Math, as well as rural and urban school districts facing shortages. Through our extensive research program, we are committed to providing schools with the very best teachers. |
| Lack of Diversity in the Teacher Workforce - Roughly 40% of U.S. students are minorities, but only 10% of teachers are minorities. 40% of U.S. schools have no teacher of color on staff. | Through the Teach and Inspire program, ABCTE works with school districts to recruit minorities into the classrooms where they are needed most. |