Do Teachers Need Teachers?

Local student Emmanuel Kiunga-Thomas, comes to school wanting to learn and gain information from teachers that will help him on a daily basis. Teachers in DCPS get chosen by experience and their credentials. The system can be flawed at times because not all of the teachers are chosen the same way. That can affect the way the students learn and retain information. Should there be a standard for DCPS teachers? ?can it be enforced?

“Some teachers have connections and others don’t” said Kiunga-Thomas. He knows the flaws of DCPS and maybe even around the country. The teachers can affect a student's performance if their teaching style is not good.“I went through a five year program to get my masters in education and was a student- teacher for a semester in 2 different schools in NYC district,”said Ms. Carson. DCPS requirements ensure that teachers have a clear understanding of excellence at work. Doing so teachers will prepared to meet the needs of the students.

“I became a teacher 10 years ago in Prince George County and it was by happenstance,” said Ms. Nicholls. Not all DCPS staff have to do the same thing in order to become a teacher. “I did not go to school to be a teacher”. DCPS has certain standards and some people exceed those expectations which allows them to become teachers without having to do things others had to do. “If they have good experience, they will put more effort into teaching the students” said Emmanuel Kiunga-Thomas. The District will still provide sufficient flexibility so that teachers can absolutely adapt the resources to meet the needs and interests of the students. 

What will DCPS do to change how teachers are selected?. If this changes, it may change the way students in DCPS learn. The teaching style in DC is different around many schools which brings diversity to the system. The selection process is also different because the qualifications can be different for people with a lot of experience. “They can go with a teacher better understanding and have a better connection so they can pass and know the material more,” said Emmanuel Kiunga-Thomas.