Clinical training for new mathematics teachers

Schools of Education in universities, which are perceived to hold high academic standards, are formally responsible for the training of high school teachers. However, in practice, due to the theoretical nature of their programs, they are able to attract only a very small number of teaching candidates. For example, over the past few years, all the universities in Israel combined have been training less than 70 new mathematics teachers per year, compared to more than 500 in the teacher colleges.

Recognizing this troubling phenomenon, Tel Aviv University is proposing an experimental teacher residency training program, which is inspired by the foundation’s programs at four teacher colleges. The program will involve a selective screening process and strive to recruit outstanding university students who have high potential and motivation to teach five-unit high school mathematics. In the program, which will be heavily-based in classroom practice, groups of 6 to 8 students will spend a full day each week in the same school, accompanied by an outstanding mathematics teacher from that school is also part of the university teaching team, and will serve as their instructional coach throughout the certification year.

Additionally, students will observe the veteran teachers, teach in the classroom and in small groups, and analyze their classroom experiences with their coaches. The theoretical courses will be modified so that they are based on students’ classroom experiences from the school using filmed lessons. Upon completion of the year of training, graduates will be coached over two additional years on a monthly basis as they teach in their schools. They will also meet as a group to discuss common challenges and dilemmas.