Preschool teachers should have college degrees
(the Pro argument)
In a previous post, I introduced the Florida movement to require prekindergarten teachers to have four-year-college degrees. Today, I’ll present some of the pro arguments for this position. In my next post, I’ll share some of the arguments against the measure.
The timeline for the proposed bill would be to have at least one teacher per classroom with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or childhood development as of the 2013–2014 school year. If enacted, the state needs to act now in order to gear up programs and turn out enough graduates (as many as 5,000) to meet the requirements.
Pros:
- The key to implementing research-based preschool programs is a well-trained teacher workforce that has fundamental knowledge and are well-grounded in child development and pre-K pedagogy to help young children develop needed knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, the majority of pre-K teachers are not receiving enough high-quality professional development.
- Even though there is a cost involved, Florida TaxWatch believes that the state would save $7 a day on school remediation, welfare, and prison expenses for every $1 spent on early learning. (pdf, 250k)
- Nonpartisan research institutes, Florida TaxWatch and the Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy, report that FL already has the capacity to attract and produce the necessary numbers of four-year degreed teachers. (pdf, 2.3mb)
- According to Roy Miller and the Children’s Campaign, legislation would cost FL nothing until 2013–2014. At that time, it is estimated to be an additional $9 per day to the current cost of $14.50 per day.
- The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development determined that children in smaller groups and taught those with higher levels of education tend to receive care that is more stimulating, warm, and supportive, making a significant difference in the children’s development. (pdf, 1.2 mb)
- Better paid teachers leads to better educational outcomes for students. Pay incentives will keep preschool teachers in the classroom. All too often lack of continuity results when low-paying salaries cause good teachers to leave pre-K positions, leaving young children with an ever-changing line of “teachers” whose role diminishes to that of babysitter rather than teacher and role model. (pdf, 380k)
- Poor and minority children will benefit most from attending high-quality pre-school programs.
- Many other states already require four-year degrees for their teachers.
- Good early childhood education helps narrow the achievement gap by improving school readiness in vocabulary, reading and math scores. Better results come from better-trained teachers who can give children (especially poor and disadvantaged youngsters) solid early literacy and math skills.
- Prior to entering Kindergarten children spend time in a wide assortment of settings resulting in a disparity in educational opportunity in K and achievement gaps later on. (pdf, 290k)
