Teachers of Tomorrow Celebrates Two Decades of Service
Teachers of Tomorrow (ToT), a leading Educator Preparation Program (EPP), proudly announces its 20th anniversary throughout the year. Over these two decades, ToT has successfully certified more than 85,000 teachers, becoming the largest teacher certification program in the nation.
The Mission Behind Teaching
Dr. Heath Morrison, CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow, emphasizes the significant role teachers play in shaping the future, stating, "Teaching is the most powerful investment in the future. Each time a teacher enters the classroom, they shape lives, families, and communities." This mission remains crucial as school districts across the country are grappling with a shortage of teachers.
Impact of Teacher Shortages
The shortage of certified teachers has led to an increase in classrooms being taught by uncertified educators, which research shows negatively impacts student learning outcomes. These uncertified teachers tend to leave the profession sooner, causing higher stress levels and burnout among certified staff. In response, many districts are leaning on ToT to help recruit and train qualified teachers to meet their needs.
Commitment to Quality Education
In 2021, Teachers of Tomorrow underwent a notable transformation after being acquired by The Rise Fund, a mission-driven investment organization. Dr. Morrison, a highly regarded educational leader, was brought in to guide this change. Following this leadership shift, ToT initiated investments in student support, curriculum development, and test preparation that have yielded impressive results.
Successful Accreditation Records
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently conducted a compliance and accreditation review and ToT achieved outstanding results. Moreover, accountability data released by TEA indicates that ToT graduates enjoy the highest retention rates over one, three, and five years compared to other top EPPs in Texas. This metric is essential for ensuring teacher preparedness and aiding districts in combating the ongoing teacher shortage.
Research Supporting Teacher Effectiveness
Recent findings from Texas State University's REDEE Center further endorse the effectiveness of ToT's training. The study revealed that new teachers who completed the ToT program exhibited student growth in math and English that matched traditional college-trained teachers and exceeded other alternative certification programs in Texas.
Looking Forward: The Next Chapter
As Teachers of Tomorrow embarks on its next twenty years, its commitment to providing every child with a qualified and certified teacher in their classroom remains steadfast. The organization is focused on continuous improvement and excellence in teacher preparation.
About Teachers of Tomorrow
Teachers of Tomorrow has proudly trained over 85,000 certified teachers nationwide and is recognized as the largest alternative teacher certification program in the United States. Its alumni are celebrated for numerous awards, including the prestigious Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Teacher of the Year recognition.
Contact Information
Alice Claiborne, 713-865-6342
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Teachers of Tomorrow do?
Teachers of Tomorrow provides training and certification for aspiring educators, aiming to prepare them to meet the demands of modern classrooms.
How many teachers has ToT certified?
To date, Teachers of Tomorrow has certified over 85,000 teachers across the nation.
What initiative has ToT taken to improve teacher retention?
ToT has focused on enhancing support systems, curriculum, and quality improvements to ensure that teachers are adequately prepared and supported.
What is the significance of the TEA's findings?
The TEA's findings highlight that ToT graduates have superior retention rates, illustrating their readiness for teaching and contributing to student success.
Who leads Teachers of Tomorrow?
Dr. Heath Morrison is the CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow, guiding its transformation and commitment to educational excellence.
