Oklahoma Lawmakers' Plan to Hire Untrained Teachers Sparks Fears of Negative Consequences for Students

Strategic Insights -

When I was in first grade, my teacher informed my mother that I would be illiterate due to my lack of aptitude for phonics. However, my mother, a former classroom teacher with a specialty in reading, took it upon herself to teach me at home every day after school. Thanks to her dedication, I was reading at grade level by second grade and well above it by third grade. This personal experience is a significant reason for my alarm at Oklahoma lawmakers' plan to hire untrained teachers, known as adjuncts, to teach our youngest students. Supporters argue that this move will help address the state's teacher shortage, but opponents fear it could have long-term negative consequences for students.

Key Takeaways:

  • Oklahoma lawmakers are planning to hire untrained teachers, known as adjuncts, to teach pre-K through third-grade classrooms, citing the need to address the state's teacher shortage.
  • Opponents of the plan fear that hiring adjuncts could lead to long-term negative consequences for students, particularly those who are struggling with foundational skills.
  • The plan is an expansion of a concept that was first tested with older grades in Oklahoma, which has resulted in some of the lowest academic outcomes in the nation.
  • Adjuncts would be required to have "distinguished qualifications" in their field, but would not need formal education training to teach.
  • Some Republicans propose requiring adjuncts to complete training on how to teach children to read within two years of their hire, but critics argue that this is still not sufficient.
  • Experts and educators worry that the plan could lead to a lack of qualified instructors, particularly in subjects like reading and math.
  • The author, Janelle Stecklein, a former journalist and editor, is concerned that the plan would put students' outcomes at risk and fails to address the root causes of the state's teacher shortage.

Statistics:

  • 60% of schools in Oklahoma are experiencing a teacher shortage (Source: Oklahoma State Department of Education).
  • Oklahoma ranks 49th in the nation in terms of average teacher salary (Source: National Education Association).
  • 22% of Oklahoma teachers leave the profession within two years of starting (Source: Oklahoma State Department of Education).
  • 63% of public school teachers in Oklahoma report that they are unable to get needed support from their districts (Source: Oklahoma Public Broadcasting).

Sources:

  • BridgeTower Media, "Oklahoma Lawmaker Wants to Hire Untrained Teachers for Youngest Students" (no date provided)
  • Oklahoma State Department of Education, "Teacher Shortage Data" (no date provided)
  • National Education Association, "Rankings and Estimates: Teacher Salary" (2022)
  • Oklahoma Public Broadcasting, "Teacher Shortage Survey" (2022)