ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York education officials have announced plans to address a shortage of teachers by changing teacher preparation programs and promoting pride in the profession.
State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced the TeachNY campaign Wednesday, saying they'll solicit feedback from teachers, college faculty and administrators throughout the state.
Advocacy group High Achievement New York said the initiative will create a pipeline of trained, professional teachers for classrooms across the state.
But the campaign was criticized by the unions that represent K-12 teachers and college professors. The New York State United Teachers union and United University Professions say it glosses over problems with the state's certification exams and doesn't give enough weight to the experience of teachers.
