But the program is garnering more and more applicants, as states provide teachers with financial incentives to participate. Legislators bought into the program as a means of bolstering a weak state teacher training and staff development system, said Sen. Don Sullivan, R-St. Nearly 1,700 Florida teacher are attempting to earn certification this year. Others want to demonstrate their teaching skills. Summers said money is what got him moving.
Local teachers say certification sends a message to the public.
This is my way of helping teachers to be seen as professionals. This is going to let the public know we are not teachers because we get summers and holidays off, we are committed professionals. Most say teachers say the best part of the process is the reflection they get of their teaching skills - seeing themselves on videotape, and writing comments on what they are doing right and wrong. It really makes you think in depth about the practices you use and how effective they are. Teachers say the videos make it plain where they need to improve.