Reflection Paper#1

The teaching programs have evolved quite a bit from its early colonial beginnings where no preparatory programs were offered; to present day where there are various preparatory program options. The requirement for teachers in colonial times was minimal or negligible in comparison to today. Many colonial teachers did not attend any formal teaching programs; most were the disenfranchised, or servants looking for a way out of what ever situation that they were in. The deal most times would be for these individuals to work for a period of time in repayment for their passage to America. They either had a talent for giving instructions or they would fail at it. Later the traditional way was developed where teachers were given some instructions on how to teach as well as subject area knowledge, this they would do at “Normal Schools”. Later, prospects to the teaching profession would go to colleges or universities that offered teaching as a major. The 1980’s saw the advent of unease in the teaching profession as it was felt that teachers were not prepared with only an undergraduate degree. It was felt that a Master’s degree was more suitable for the profession. It did not go over well, but a compromise was made and thus the fifth year was added at that time. These days institution of higher learning allowed these prospects to learn theory for four years and then practicum on the fifth year in the actual setting. Alternative teaching programs allowed individuals from the industry or recent college graduates to enter the field. This program assumes that they are proficient in the subject area and would need pedagogy. Due increased student populations teachers were needed to teach these minors. In order to fill the demand, a different teaching program evolved. The evolution used college graduates or individuals who had degrees in a particular area or who had experience in the industry and could bring relevance to theory. This new way served to educate the diverse population and the new breed of children that supplies the school system. Teach for America (TFA) served its purposes as it allows students to give back and get experience in the outside world after their college graduation. Teach for America aim was to have graduates have a positive impact on low income students, basically served as role models.