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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Unit 1 You—The Teacher of Tomorrow
Critical Thinking
12. Predict outcomes. Review the text and
other reliable sources to identify criteria
teacher education programs typically
used to evaluate students applying to the
program. Predict why the criteria may
indicate probable success in the program
and as a teacher.
13. Analyze evidence. Why is certification
for teachers important for each of
the following groups: states, schools,
parents, and students? In teams, create
a four-column table. Label each column
with one of the groups. Then list as
many reasons as you can for each group
in the correlating column. As a class,
compile team lists and analyze the
responses. What are the top reasons
indicating the importance of teacher
certification?
14. Draw conclusions. The author cites that
many people use professional portfolios
to showcase their abilities and work. Draw
conclusions about how your personal
portfolio can become the foundation of
a professional portfolio as you pursue a
career in teaching.
Core Skills
15. Research and speaking. Observation
is a key skill for those who want a career
in teaching. You may observe teachers,
children of various ages, and educational
programs. Work in groups to research
what it takes to be a good observer.
Consider how to prepare, what to do
during the observation, and how to follow
up afterward. Give a group report of your
findings.
16. Technology application. Search online
for colleges and universities that offer a
major in education. Create a spreadsheet
that records the following information:
• type of degree offered (elementary
education, K–8, secondary education, etc.)
• number and cost of credits required/tuition
• cost of commuting to or residing on or
near campus
• availability and types of scholarships
• your ranking of this program
17. Research, writing, and speaking. Use
the Internet or college catalogs to locate
a college or university in your state that
has a teacher education program. Find
out when students may apply to the
program. Choose one level of teaching
(early childhood through high school) and
research the number and types of classes
required and the length of the student
teaching experience. Prepare an oral
report of your findings to share with the
class. Include the website for the school in
your report.
18. Research and speaking. Research the
requirements for teacher certification or
licensing in your state. What education
and training is required? How many
years is the license valid? What, if any,
requirements must teachers meet to
renew the license? What categories of
teaching licenses does the state issue (for
example, kindergarten through grade 6 or
high school math)? Share your findings in
a brief oral report to the class.
19. Writing. Write a concise career goal based
on your current interest in teaching. Be
sure to include specific information on the
type of position in which you are interested.