Connecticut Governor Daniel P. Malloy is hoping the state can do a better job attracting and retaining teachers and school leaders. Malloy recently unveiled another portion of his 2012 education reform package designed to better support those with educational experience on their resume. The governor said that the proposals will strengthen statewide teacher preparation standards, include a $1 million teacher recruitment campaign to attract top candidates and provide enhanced statewide support to all educators, the Bridgeport News reports. "In order to lift the performance of Connecticut's schools, we need to elevate the education profession in our state. Elevating the profession means doing a far better job of preparing, attracting, developing, evaluating, coaching, recognizing, rewarding, and advancing quality teachers and leaders in our school system. Under the governor's plan, that's exactly what we will do," State Department of Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor noted. The initiative also includes a $5,000 tuition reimbursement grant for accomplished seniors who add a degree from a teacher preparation program to their resume, and a $10,000 grant for those who accept positions in a "priority school district." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for teachers are expected to grow by 13% through 2018. |