The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Ring
Given the right education, new teachers can be more effective than their veteran counterparts, according to a recent study in Louisiana. In addition, while many veterans lose their passion over time, new teachers are eager to be in the profession. But others feel that the latest fad in teacher preparation cannot replace the wisdom veteran educators gain over the years. Does training trump experience when it comes to teaching? Tell us what you think.
Are new teachers more effective than veteran teachers?
Yes. In addition to bringing a fresh energy to the classroom, new teachers are well versed in the latest research and teaching techniques, giving students the best chance to meet today’s rigorous educational standards.
2% (1 vote)
No. No amount of training can match the hands-on experience and developed skills of veterans. Although training is important, it is only through the real-world application of these techniques that teachers reach their full potential.
29% (14 votes)
Maybe. Though the experience of veteran teachers is invaluable, the up-to-date knowledge and enthusiasm that new teachers possess is also essential to instill a love of learning in students.
63% (30 votes)
None of the above. (Comment below.)
6% (3 votes)
Total votes: 48
Novice Versus Expert
Submitted by Laura (not verified) on July 14, 2008 - 17:06.
I have really enjoyed reading all of the posts and I would like to add to them.
Although I see both sides of the spectrum, I think I fall more on the side of novice teachers being more effective. Sometimes I believe the students respond to newer teachers because they have so much passion for teaching. These new teachers are up to date on the newest teaching methods and technology, so I agree they have much knowledge to pull from when teaching. Many of them spend every second planning exciting lessons for their students because they know that is what they need. They often do whatever it takes to meet these needs even if they do not know exactly what that entails. However, not all novice teachers are effective. They may have head-knowledge and not know how to implement. They also might focus on many other details and get trapped by all the things that are required of them. I believe they learn through this time though, which in turn may cause them to be more effective at a later date. In addition, many of these novice teachers do not believe they know it all, which makes them more effective.
I agree expert teachers are effective no doubt! Expert teachers have learned over the years, which makes them better in the field. However, many teachers teach the same material each year. The lessons may lose their excitement for the teachers even if they become more passionate about the material.
These are just my thoughts though. What do you think?
Veteran vs New
Submitted by Nellie Deutsch (not verified) on May 20, 2008 - 21:35.
I have been teaching in a high school setting for over 30 years. I am currently studying for my doctorate in educational leadership specializing in curriculum and instruction at the University of Phoenix with many veteran teachers who are very passionate about learning and interested in promoting effective instruction and learning. I would be interested in studies conducted on the exact numbers of veteran vs new teachers interest in professional developments and in improving education.
veteran vs novice
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 28, 2008 - 13:03.
Novice or experienced is not the deciding factor of an educator's effectiveness. I do think a teacher needs several years of classroom experience if they are to take the acquired skills, and put them into practice, so they are more fluent and efficient. But new or old to the profession, an effective teacher knows their students and how they learn best and creates a learning environment where every child is motivated to aspire to new heights. Students of great teachers are continually growing in knowledge, critical thinking and in confidence as a valued, contributing members of society.
Veterans vs. Newby's
Submitted by Diane Dankoski (not verified) on January 27, 2008 - 15:45.
Considering effectiveness, I don't feel experience makes the difference. Professionalism is the key. Both veteran and new teachers can have the same qualities: spirit, enthusiasm, knowledge, fear. Professional development is important for all teachers. Information changes rapidly. The quality educator is effective, regardless of how much experience.
New verses experienced teachers
Submitted by Bruce White (not verified) on December 4, 2007 - 03:48.
Every teacher brings with them different skills and experiences. New teachers have the latest theories on education and practices that are being taught in teacher's colleges. Experience teachers have field tested practical hands on knowledge and are "battle ready". This is something that you don't learn is university or college.
The best fit is when you match New and Seasoned Teachers together for planning and team teaching. I came to teaching later in life with a lot of different exeperiences. This has helped me alot. Working with other teachers in the classroom has added another dimension to my teaching
New v. Old
Submitted by Mark (not verified) on December 3, 2007 - 07:29.
While new teachers may be better versed in the latest technology and latest research (both very debatable), my experiences as an veteran (yet not old teacher) tells me the quality of new, incoming teachers continues to suffer (for many different reasons). The enthusiasm of these new teachers
is almost non-existent (It's just a job!). Their idea of spending anytime outside the classroom for the district, for grading papers, and for professional development is laughable. Unfortunately (and I hope this is not the trend), many new teachers in my area of the country expect the job's working hours to be 8-3; many expect compensation for any work outside those limited hours, even though they still will not do it; many think they should use all of their 15 sick days and 3 personal days that they get a year (their attitude: they are owed this); and many have no substantial background/education in the fields in which they teach. If you cannot write and speak, for example, you should not be teaching a language arts course. Hopefully, these new teachers will gain experience and learn the ropes to become better teachers than how they have approached their field experience and their first teaching assignments.
Are veteran [fill in the blank] better...
Submitted by Doug (not verified) on November 30, 2007 - 06:49.
You could ask that question and put any profession (prostitutes? car mechanics? ministers?) in it. Like many of the responses so far, I would have to agree that teaching is a talent, or knack, or a gift that gets better with time and conscientious practice.
Lawyers and doctors have a practice. They either get better or fall by the way and become ambulance chasing sharks and quacks. Teachers must also hone their skills or become the deadwood that gets into the press. It's no wonder so many states require educators to continue their education for recertification.
A better question might be, "Are new teachers better prepared to teach critical thinking and other needed 21st century skills than their veteran peers?"
The Character of Successful Teaching
Submitted by Ron De Long (not verified) on November 30, 2007 - 05:38.
A global, pragmatic approach to education and teaching is essential if we are succeed. Effectiveness should not be assessed solely on two opposite points of view. Many factors impact the effectiveness of successful teaching not just whether a teachers is new or veteran to the field. In my national professional experience I have encountered both good and bad new teachers and good and bad veteran teachers. I encourage the bad to become better and the good to share what it is they do that works in the field with others who need coaching to improve their teaching skills. The character of a good teacher should obviously include a comprehensive knowledge of past, present and future pedagogy. And a good teachers should also demonstrate honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, self-discipline, perseverance and a sense of giving as they mentor, teach and prepare students to thrive future.
Are new teachers more effective than veteran teachers?
Submitted by Margaret Hunter (not verified) on November 29, 2007 - 18:21.
It actually depends on which teachers are being compared. Many veteran teachers stay informed about new and best practices and implement current strategies in their classrooms. They are extremely successful in differentiating instruction and engaging students in developmentally appropriate activities that enable them to master curriculum. Although it is expected that new teachers are knowledgeable about best research based practices, sometimes they are placed in a position in which they do not receive adequate support/mentoring to be successful. Unfortunately some veteran teachers do not stay in tune with the latest best practices and have become stagnant and ineffective. In this case, a new teacher may be more effective.
Effective Teaching
Submitted by Leonard Isenberg (not verified) on November 29, 2007 - 16:59.
American public education has been allowed to slip for more than 2 generations now. While good teachers are some of the most exceptional people in our society, the average level of formation of the vast majority of teachers has been allowed to slip because of the failure to realize just how key education is to the survival of this country.
A corporate dominate government that manipulates elections so that it has become irrelevant whether a Democrat or Republican is elected, does not seek the educated electorate that Jefferson and others of our founding fathers thought was the sine qua non of a democracy that would keep such a government accountable to the people who are the source of power in a democracy.
In urban public education where as many as 50% of teachers quit within 5 years or seek upward mobility by going into administration, the average level of teachers has been purposefully allowed to degrade to a level that accepts 43 to 1 teacher to student ratios and an atmosphere where real education to become future knowing and conscientious citizens has fallen by the wayside.
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