A 21st Century Model for Teacher Preparation

New iNACOL publication highlights partnerships for next generation educators

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As advanced technologies enter the mainstream of everyday life, more than half of K-12 school districts are already offering – or interested in starting – blended and online learning programs. Though new school programs are evolving to personalize learning for every student using new tools and new methodologies, a national survey shows that a paltry 1.3 percent of teacher education programs are preparing teachers for these next generation learning models. A bright spot, however, has been the growing number of innovative programs that have formed partnerships with blended and online schools around the country. Partnering for Success: A 21^st Century Model for Teacher Preparation, published by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), investigates these collaborations so the field can build upon the work of pioneering leaders.

"Teacher education programs are beginning to realize that they share a responsibility in preparing teachers for online settings," said co-editor Leanna Archambault. "However, additional work is essential as the field of education experiences continued disruption in a positive and transformative direction. The role of the teacher is ever-evolving. To meet this challenge, higher education must also transform their programs, providing necessary preparation for effective instruction in online and blended classrooms."

Co-edited by Leanna Archambault, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Educational Technology at Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, and Kathryn Kennedy, Ph.D., Director of Research for iNACOL, Partnering for Success uncovers and explores those developing best practices in innovative teacher preparation for next generation learning environments.

Kathryn Kennedy said, "This report studies the best practices necessary to rethink the skills, methods and pedagogical evolution that teacher education must address going forward and informs teacher educators and policy makers about the importance of offering diverse pre-service learning opportunities for future teachers."

Through contributions from a number of noted teacher educators focused on the field of blended and online learning, Partnering for Success presents seven case studies, each of which has unique elements and frameworks that offer insight to where teacher education must aspire in the preparation of teachers for blended and online instruction.

"Too few educator and leadership preparation programs are up to the task of modernized teacher training for the 21st century," said Susan Patrick, President and CEO of iNACOL. "If we are to ensure great teachers are trained, mentored and retained for our students, the programs themselves must emulate 21st century skills for personalized student learning — no matter where or how a student learns best."

Partnering for Success: A 21^st Century Model for Teacher Preparation is available at http://bit.ly/1gXMPut.

About iNACOL

The mission of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is to ensure all students have access to a world-class education and quality blended and online learning opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success. iNACOL is a non-profit organization focused on research; developing policy for student-centered education to ensure equity and access; developing quality standards for emerging learning models using online, blended, and competency-based education; and supporting the ongoing professional development of classroom, school, district and state leaders for new learning models. To learn more about iNACOL, please visit http://inacol.org.

SOURCE International Association for K-12 Online Learning