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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]There is a need in certain subjects, higher level computer science, math, science and language courses are often not offered because there are not qualified teachers and/or not enough students ready for the course to justify the use of an allocated teacher- a principal won’t have on level classes at 30+ to offer a section of an above level course for 15.

OPs idea could work, especially in the form of a partnership where an extra teacher was available one period a day to teach the course.  Would experienced teachers push back, possibly, but in thinking about deploying this to the highest levels where there are few qualified teachers it could work.  Said teachers would teach and grade, but not have hone rooms or other duties assigned.  They would likely teach first period or maybe last period so as to not completely take over their day.  Many colleges have teachers for just one course- granted it’s a totally different structure, but with the teaching shortage and lack of rigor to keep some advanced kids engaged, we need to try something! [/quote]

Experienced teacher here. I could see this potentially working and wouldn’t really care if AP-level classes go to someone new. My question, though: What type of training do you envision these part-time teachers would receive?

I believe this is a huge misconception many people have about teaching. Teachers deal with A LOT , even in AP classes. (Teenagers are teenagers, after all.) The job is much, much harder than people expect and it only gets easier with experience and an accumulated bag of tricks.

I wouldn’t want somebody to go through the preparation to teach just to quit in the first year. I’ve lost two teachers in my department already this fall, both burned out experienced teachers. How do we keep someone new to the pressures of this field from doing the same?
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Mentoring, training, and support.  While teaching isn’t easy it would be slightly less burdensome for these part-time teachers because they are not carrying a full load.  Ideally, this would free up some time for experienced full time teachers to have planning time or the opportunity to work on other things like actual real professional development in their content area or mentoring or other things.

It’s a win for students and schools who get teachers with real world industry/government experience, it’s a win for teachers who get reduced load, and it’s a win for the part-time teacher who gains additional credentials as well as the joy of sharing knowledge with kids.  It will also help all stay up to date on things.[/quote]

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