*Teaching (Occupation); Teaching Experience

An excellent teacher education program demands the careful integration of both campus-based and field-based instruction over a substantial amount of time. Teachers must be thoroughly prepared in general academic work and in pedagogy, and they should be exposed to the actualities of the classroom. An excellent teacher education program needs high quality faculty and staff, and needs them in sufficient numbers. The faculty must be highly competent intellectually and well educated in appropriate academic disciplines and in specific areas of pedagogy directly related to their instructional responsibilities. They must also have been experienced and successful teachers of children themselves. Serious consideration should be given, to lengthening the teacher preparation program. There is a need to strengthen both academic and performance criteria for prospective teachers. ' To meet the needs of an excellent teacher education program, more funding is necessary, and better physical and instructional resources are essential. (JD) *************f:********************************************************* * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * Co fN