Rigorous Qualifications
Meta-analyses of studies of teacher characteristics show that while the effects of some teacher characteristics (e.g. degree level, teacher preparation, teacher certification) on student achievement are inconclusive, other characteristics such as teacher academic proficiency
[1]Dan Goldhaber and Emily Anthony, “Teacher Quality and Student Achievement,” ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education, Urban Diversity Series No. 115, May 2003: 18.
, teacher verbal ability
[2]Constance K. Bond, “Do Teacher Salaries Matter? The Effects of Teacher Salaries on Teacher Recruitment, Teacher Retention, and Student Outcomes,” Dissertation, Columbia University, 2001, 63.
, and teacher content-area knowledge
[3]Bond, 64.
are related to improving student achievement. In addition, a certain threshold of teaching experience has been shown to have important positive effects on student achievement, since teachers tend to improve dramatically in their first few years in the classroom.
[4]ibid, 97-98.
Using this research on highly-effective teachers, TEP teachers must demonstrate their qualifications in 4 major areas:
- Teaching Expertise and Experience
- Expert Subject-Area Knowledge (Middle School) and/or Expertise with Younger Students (K–4),
- Strong Curriculum Development Ability
- Outstanding Verbal Ability.