Fast-track education scheme sparks debate

The PPTA request for conducting a literature review of fast-track teacher education schemes last month has caused debate among educators.

The proposed Teach First NZ scheme fast-tracks top graduates into teaching jobs in low decile schools, after completing a six-week summer school programme.

The idea is based on a similar British scheme and is backed by Minister of Education Anne Tolley, corporate companies and the University of Auckland.

Teach First NZ says its students will get a further two years education while they are working and it hopes to have the scheme up and running by 2013.

However, NZEI says the fast-track course could put “undercooked” students in low decile schools and would undermine other teacher education programmes.

NZEI President Ian Leckie says, “Being a top graduate doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to be a good teacher.

“Trainee teachers in proper teacher education spend large blocks of practicum time in classes where they gain invaluable teaching experience.

“These fast-track programmes won’t even touch the sides, particularly as they’ll be held over summer when there are no children in schools to teach.”