HOUSE BILL REPORT

REESB 5371

BYSenators Gaspard, Bailey and Bauer

Establishing an award for excellence in teacher preparation.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

BACKGROUND:

The state currently supports programs to recognize students' academic and vocational achievements and to recognize the contributions of teachers, principals, school boards, and superintendents.  It is suggested that a similar state-level program be established to recognize the contributions made by the faculty of teacher preparation programs in the state's colleges and universities.

Practicing teachers who supervise student teachers are an important link in the state's system of teacher preparation.  It is suggested that one way the state can recognize these "cooperating" teachers for the time and energy they contribute to teacher candidates is to provide stipends.

SUMMARY:

WASHINGTON AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM

The Washington Award for Excellence in Teacher Preparation Program is established to recognize each year one teacher preparation faculty member from one teacher preparation program approved by the State Board of Education. The Governor, the president of the State Board of Education, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall present a certificate to the recipient.

The professional education advisory board of the institution from which the teacher educator is selected may apply for an educational grant not exceeding $2,500 within one year after the award. 

The State Board of Education shall adopt rules including selection criteria.  Selection criteria shall include innovations in teacher preparation program and communication about those efforts.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM

The Excellence in Teacher Preparation Program is established to provide cooperating teachers for all student teachers during their student teaching internship.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall adopt rules governing the program.

All student teacher interns from a teacher preparation program approved by the State Board of Education will be provided a cooperating teacher for up to two academic quarters.  The cooperating teacher, in collaboration with the school principal, will provide sustained training and support to the intern, and be involved in evaluations and recommendations regarding the intern's competency.

The cooperating teachers will be appointed by school districts in a joint selection process with the institutions of higher education.  Candidates must hold a continuing professional certificate to be eligible for selection.

Through supplemental contracts, cooperating teachers will be paid salary stipends from state general funds appropriated for this purpose.  Funds may also be appropriated for the institutions of higher education, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to provide training workshops for cooperating teachers.

Appropriation:    $2,500 to the SPI for the Washington Award for Excellence in Teacher Preparation Program.

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested