DHC

I definitely agree with you that my colleagues at TC were selected because they were already passionate, determined and focused. That's why I was surprised to see others say that TC accepted everybody just to get their money. I definitely didn't think that given the achievements and caliber of my classmates. But, for me, and for my colleagues, being around a group of energetic and motivated classmates was a HUGE dea for us. I believe that our experiences are greatly influenced by our peers and I know that my wondeful memories are in part due to the incredible conversations, late night study sessions and co-planning with other student teachers. Whether it's an academic program, a new school where I will teach or a neighborhood, I always focus on WHO will be there with me. When I have chosen my teaching positions, I always find out more about the staff because I know that I will have a better experience if they are all focused an passionate teacher leaders. And I definitely agree that there are a many wonderful programs throughout the country. After living in VA for a while, I have learned that some state programs definitely trump others in terms of how their graduates fare in the classroom. I would be heartbroken if I thought TC was the only place to go. We need all programs to be top-notch because our students deserve that. But I have also seen so many sad teacher prep programs - 6 weeks in the summer, classes taught by people who have taught for a year or two or who haven't seen the inside of a school in decades, etc... I agree that brand effect fades. But, for me, going to TC was never about brand, but rather, about the incredible experience itself and how it would shape my teaching. So, like I said in my reply above, we all have to think about our purpose and goals in choosing a program. Each person will have to make their own choice based on what fits their present situation and future goals. I just wanted to share my experience because there were so many negative comments from people had never actually been through a teacher prep program at TC and were basing their opinion on what other people said in passing.

I am glad you had a wonderful experience at TC as well. I guess that for me, I never look at any experience as just a means to an end. I always want to have the best experience possible. Yes, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher but I wanted the year or two it took to prepare for that to be the best they could possibly be - because being a teacher (in my mind) demands that. But if people are only looking at the "will this credential simply get me a job" approach, that is a totally different story. For me, teaching was way too important to simply "get through" my program. But I do understand that we all have different goals and for what we do and that the goal impacts our decision greatly. Everyone has to make the decision that best fits their circumstances and goals. I just cringe when people make comments about "just being a public school teacher" as if that were lower than other careers. If this is what people in education think about teachers then we are in trouble!

Hi there! I am curious about why many people in this thread have commented that one should not go to TC to become a public school teacher but should go to pursue a doctorate. Are we assuming that the preparation needed to be a public school teacher is not important or does not warrant the same level of prestige or quality? I think I am also sad about the expression "just going to end up as a public school teacher" as if one can really put the word "just" in front of one of the most complex, difficult and meaningful careers this country offers. I am a public school teacher & a product of the M.A. in Elementary Education at TC. I believe my program was a dream. It wasn't so granular like other programs but rather, provided me a way to think about education, about my role in the field as a teacher and about students as human beings. I met some of the strongest, most passionate people in the field in my cohort and more than a decade later I am happy to say that each one of them is an incredible teacher-leader. Many of them are classroom teachers while teaching at local universities, running professional development, blogging nationally and having a big impact. Others are successfully running education nonprofits here and abroad, serving in positions at state departments of education as well as the federal DOE. In other words, we all had an incredible start to wonderful careers. We learned how to reflect on our practice, how to integrate subjects in a meaningful way and how to look at curriculm as a way to impact the individual child and society as a whole. Our professors all had years and years of actual classroom experience as public school teachers and had published leading books in the field. I have been teaching for over a decade in NY, CA and now Virginia. I have met teachers who have been to state schools, Ivy Leagues and alternative preparation programs. I have also been a mentor and supervising teacher for several universities. TC stands out. Granted, I have met so many wonderful teachers who have come out of different preparation programs. I am definitely not saying TC is the only answer. But, everyday, I miss my TC cohort of deep thinkers and reflective practitioners who thought of education as a way to impact the world. In fact, I miss it so much that I have applied to the EdD at Teachers College BECAUSE of my incredible experience in my M.A. program. I have not applied anywhere else because I have not found another place that balances theory and practice in the same way. I know that money is a huge issue for all of us and choosing a program is a tough decision. But whether you decide to be a teacher or pursue a different path, we should still look for the highest quality. Please excuse the typos. I read this thread and was so upset about the mischaracterization of teacher education at TC that I had to type this all on my phone.