These students must agree to teach for five years in areas with teacher shortages. Fifteen Mathematics and Science Teaching Academies would be competitive selected in each of the 10 federal regions, with 5 more strategically located. Each academy will build on existing institutions and comprise an consortium of at least one higher education institution, neighboring school districts, business partners, members of the Eisenhower consortium, and others. The funds must be locally matched, and a districtwide induction program must be created for new math and science teachers. Improve the working environment and make the teaching profession more attractive for K-12 mathematics and science teachers.
Society refuses to recognize the professional status of teachers.
Turnover in the nation's teaching force is high. In addition to creation of induction programs for new teachers, the Commission proposes that new teachers have frequent formal interaction with master teachers. New policies should ensure that new teachers do not inherit the most demanding teaching schedules and the most challenging students and would exclude or limit extracurricular duties for new teachers. For most teachers, the only opportunity for growth is to leave the classroom for a position in school administration. The Commission calls for more progressive salary structures, tied to increased levels of teacher responsibility and job performance criteria.