A group that scrutinizes teacher supply and demand has launched a program that will put teacher-candidates with strong skills on the fast track to K-12 classrooms in three Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia.
Students who are going through traditional teacher-preparation programs, have high grade point averages, and are within nine months of graduation can apply for the 鈥渕eritorious new-teacher precandidate鈥� designation online at . The information is verified online by their campuses and becomes immediately available to potential employers in school districts.
Those approved will receive an honorary certificate to use as they seek positions in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Those future teachers鈥� names and other information will also be sent to every school in the region during hiring season, said Susannah Patton, the coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Teachers Project.
Ninety-nine precandidates have been approved so far, and 82 more are awaiting approval, Ms. Patton said.
Based in Washington at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the project is a collaboration between the education agencies and schools of education in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
