As a nation we need to improve the programs that prepare prospective mathematics and science teachers. The teaching of lower division undergraduate courses is the area of particular expertise of two-year faculty. Because instruction at the lower level is their primary focus, community college faculty are positioned to provide national leadership in the quality and nature of instruction in mathematics and science. In addition to the responsibility of providing leadership in quality instruction, community college faculty teach a large percentage of prospective teachers. Many prospective elementary teachers completed all of their mathematics and science at two-year colleges.
Community colleges are a prime recruiting ground for prospective teachers.
Indeed, many are located in rural communities or in inner cities, directly serving these communities. The potential exists to interest students from these communities in the teaching of mathematics and science with the goal of returning teachers to these communities. Unfortunately, the potential of community colleges for playing key roles in these areas has not been fully realized, and the situations varies greatly from state to state. Lack of a formal charge to community colleges to play a leadership role in these areas, lack of funding and the difficulty of transfer of innovative course work are serious barriers that prevent community colleges from realizing their full potential in mathematics and science teacher preparation. These barriers not withstanding, many community colleges across the country are making important contribution in this area.