The secret is that we have stopped discouraging them. Before beginning the program, we surveyed students in the College of Natural Sciences, and found that 25 percent of the 8,000 students would consider teaching as a career. The growth of UTeach comes from systematic recruiting among freshmen, the collaborative spirit between the College of Natural Sciences and College of Education, attention to advising, financial support, and the community of students themselves. UTeach is not without detractors. We think this argument is as wrong today as it was when the University was founded.
Research universities have a unique role in establishing priorities.
The shortage of teachers will not diminish unless the profession of teaching gains the respect that its importance deserves. Seeing that some of the brightest and most ambitious students in Texas are deciding to become teachers will play a role in increasing public support for teachers. Public support is especially needed in Texas because teacher salaries are terribly low. Unless Texas finds a way to pay talented individuals comparable salaries to teach science and math, our children will be at a disturbing disadvantage in a workplace that increasingly demands advanced technical skills. Detractors point out that new teachers don't last.