Haeger provides update on Committee for Teacher Quality and Support

Compensation, professional development and preparation programs for K-12 teachers top the list of issues that the governor's Committee for Teacher Quality and Support has tackled since it was formed in May, President John Haeger told a statewide education group last week.

Haeger, whom Gov. Janet Napolitano named to chair the committee, provided an update on the group's efforts at the Oct. 14 fall forum of the Teacher Education Partnership Commission in Phoenix.

Haeger said the governor established the committee to address:

• low graduation rates from high school
• low rates of students pursuing higher education
• poorly performing students and high schools
• a poorly paid teaching corps, where 40 percent of teachers leave within five years
• the need for more qualified math and science teachers

Compensation remains at the heart of attracting and retaining teachers.

"Low starting salaries, combined with no significant pay for performance leads to systems that are somewhat broken," Haeger said.

Haeger also acknowledged a shortage of teachers, but stressed it is not because the state lacks teacher preparation programs. The fact is fewer students are entering the teacher education pipeline. "There is no demonstrable evidence behind the claim that Arizona lacks teacher preparation programs," he said.

Haeger said the committee is moving forward with recommendations for a system of professional development for teachers, recognizing that "investment in a teacher's professional development can have the greatest impact on student learning."

The committee will meet Nov. 2 on the NAU campus and will further discuss compensation, teacher preparation programs and financial aid for students entering those programs.

An initial report will be presented to the governor in December.