USG Annual Teacher Preparation Update While the demand for new teachers has waned somewhat since 2008, Georgia's educational agencies are in agreement that demand for effective and highly qualified teachers will rise again. Consequently, the University System of Georgia (USG) remains committed to meeting 80% of the State's need for teachers. USG Teacher Production 5000 4871 5056 4573 4236 4000 3822 There are 24 USG institutions that work to meet this goal. In 2011, those colleges and universities prepared 5,056 teachers, which is nearly 25% more teachers than in 2007. Five institutions prepared more than half of that total (see table below). 3000 While most of these teachers are prepared 2000 through traditional baccalaureate degree programs, about 30% seek preparation through a non-traditional route such as a 1000 certification-only program or a Master's of Arts in Teaching (MAT). 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Further, the USG remains committed to diversification of the teaching workforce, and USG institutions continue to increase the number of non-white teachers prepared. In 2011, non-white teachers comprised nearly 25% of the total number of teachers. While all USG institutions are a part of this success, there are several institutions that contribute significantly to these results (see table below). USG's five largest producers of teachers Institution Production University of Georgia 746 Kennesaw State University 690 Georgia State University 636 University of West Georgia 424 Valdosta State University Total 407 2903 USG instituions contributing significantly to a more diverse teaching workforce Institution 2011 non-white % of teachers Fort Valley State University 100 Albany State University 84 Clayton State University 68 Georgia State University 45 While the USG is committed to preparing effective teachers, it is also committed to preparing teachers for the geographic regions and disciplines that need them most. Thus, the USG strategically approved teacher preparation at five new institutions in the last few years. These institutions have begun producing graduates only recently or will begin to produce teachers shortly and include Macon State College, Middle Georgia College, Georgia Gwinnett College, Savannah State University, and Southern Polytechnic State University. With respect to teacher production by disciplinary area, trends have been steady for the last few years with approximately one-third of graduates completing early childhood degrees, about one-quarter in middle grades, and 10% in special education. Major Areas of Teacher Preparation The "All Others" category includes students completing degrees to teach in a variety of disciplines including the secondary disciplines and disciplines All Others 33% Early Childhood 35% in which teachers are certified to teach across all grades (e.g., kindergarten through twelfth grade) and include disciplines in foreign languages, art, and music. In the areas of the STEM disciplines, Special Education 10% Middle Grades (4-8) 22% the USG has made significant progress with increasing the number of teachers prepared to teach math and science in middle and high school. To become a high school teacher at a USG institution, students must seek a BA or BS degree in a discipline (e.g., B.S. in Chemistry). In 2011, 185 secondary math and 146 secondary science teachers were prepared. At the middle school level, all 2011 Secondary STEM Teachers students must prepare to teach in at least two areas (language arts, social science, 100% 14 90% 21 39 80% High School Earth/Space, Health, and Physics math, science, or reading). In 2011, there were approximately 600 middle grades teachers prepared in 1,259 areas of certification including 317 in math and 280 in science. Overall about 47% of all High School middle grades certifications were in math 70% 72 Broadfield Science and/or science. 60% Since 2007, the USG has increased by High School one-third the number of students prepared 50% Chemistry to teach in math and science disciplines. 40% 30% 185 20% 10% 0% Secondary STEM High School Biology High School Math The USG continues to build capacity in the area of teacher production and is planning for the future so that it can meet the demands of Georgia's teacher workforce. With careful attention to teacher production and the continuous improvement of academic programs, the USG is committed to preparing teachers who can effectively help students achieve. February 16, 2012 For more information about teacher preparation, contact angela.coleman@usg.edu