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Say NO to Teacher Certification Changes!
The State Education Department (SED) has recommended changing the age ranges for teacher certification for Students with Disabilities. The proposed change would expand the certification structure to Birth - Grade 3 and Pre-K - Grade 6. This proposal would endanger early childhood degree programs at community colleges and other institutions of higher education.
Why would students enter a Birth - Grade 3 program if they are able to get a much more marketable Pre-K - Grade 6 certification? Please tell the Board of Regents, who will discuss this issue at their May 18th - 19th meeting, that this change in certification will be detrimental to the early care and learning field!
Send the letter below:
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: NO to teacher certification changes!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
In an effort to close the achievement gap and meet the needs of special education and English Language Learners (ELL), New York State desperately needs highly qualified early childhood special education teachers who are knowledgeable about the unique needs of young children.
I applaud the addition of third grade to the current Students with Disabilities Early Childhood (B-Grade 2) certification. This recognizes early childhood as birth to age eight.
However, I adamantly oppose the addition of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten to the current Childhood (Grades 1-6) Students with Disabilities certification. It is critical that certification be reflective of the knowledge and skills specific to the unique developmental levels of children in the classroom. As this knowledge is used to inform teaching and assessment, it is imperative that teachers are prepared to effectively meet the needs of young children. The proposed change to the certification precludes teachers from attaining the aforementioned knowledge and skills.
According to the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE), "A teacher of children eight years old or younger cannot be considered highly qualified without specialized early childhood preparation."
Highly qualified teachers specifically trained to work effectively with a diverse population will be essential to the long-term success of our children. I urge you to carefully consider the impact a change of this magnitude would have on our youngest learners.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
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