Report Advises Overhauling UNC Teacher Training Programs

A study out this week examines how the University of North Carolina's teacher training programs can be improved.

The report was commissioned by UNC President Margaret Spellings, who asked a group of reading instruction experts to “look under the hood” of the 14 UNC programs that prepare undergraduates to be teachers.

The report makes a number of recommendations to correct deficiencies, including providing professional development for faculty, increasing student field experiences and raising recruitment standards.

Spellings says that if the recommendations are properly carried out, the outcome could increase the teacher pipeline in the state, and boost student reading proficiency.

The News & Observer reports that about 37 percent of public school teachers in the state are graduates of the UNC system.

The system overhaul will be led by education deans and an advisory board made up of university officials from around the state.