Teacher Certification in Consortium-Based Teacher Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The consortium-based teacher education program concept was formulated to provide a more effective means of linking continuing education activity to research and development in education. The program's primary objectives include the development and maintenance of a systematic certification training program for prospective teachers, development and implementation of advanced certification programs not readily available through local institutions of higher education (IHE's), provision of appropriate staff development activities, the support of research projects in education, and the provision of a vehicle of interaction between the associated parties. This article explores the various standards and guidelines identified as essential for the development and implementation of a consortium-based teacher education/certification program. The partnership relations that must exist between the involved parties (IHE's, local education agencies, professional organizations, and the state department of public instruction) are identified and discussed. Additionally, the strategies utilized during the developmental, implementation, and evaluation stages of example programs in Charlotte (Metrolina Education Consortium) and Winston-Salem, (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Consortium for Personnel Development) North Carolina, are outlined and critiqued. (Authors/JD)