The Challenge Teaching is the essential profession, the one that makes all other professions possible. However, without well-prepared, caring, and committed teachers, not even the highest standards in the world will ensure that our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21 st century.
Education is key to a vibrant and prosperous America.
Accordingly, more than ever before in our history, what teachers know and are able to do is of critical importance. Yet, we face daunting challenges as we seek to ensure a national teaching force of the highest quality. The increasing enrollments and accelerating teacher retirements that are expected in the coming years will lead to unprecedented hiring demands in the profession. America s schools will need to hire 2.2 million teachers over the next decade, more than half of whom will be first-time teachers. As classrooms grow more challenging and diverse, these teachers will need to be well prepared to teach all students to the highest standards.