Professional Teacher Training in the US: Lessons for Russia

Abstract

Alexander Sidorkin, Ph.D., Dean of Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI, United States. 
Email: asidorkin@ric.edu  Address: 600 Mt Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI 02908, United States.

The paper considers the accreditation system, professional standards of faculties of education and innovations in teacher training in the US. The experience of American universities is analyzed with regard to major aspects of possible pedagogical education reform in Russia.It is suggested that modernization of Russian pedagogical education system should bring together advantages of Russian universities and the most efficient foreign practices. Due to unverified validity and high financial cost, it is not recommended to adopt wide use of alternative pedagogical education programs and the Added Value Model in assessing performance of faculties of education based on achievements of students taught by graduates. Emphasis is placed on the positive experience of the American professional accreditation system, the two-level teaching certification, elements of the Clinical Model of teacher education designed to develop partner relationship between universities and schools and involving intensive teaching practices, and active teacher internship in schools allowing to increase significantly the quality of education and to reduce staff turnover rate. The author sees the most appropriate form of accreditation for Russian teaching programs in enhancing the existing uniform accreditation system while applying specific standards and requirements to fields of study in education. Practical tips are given to transform the existing standards. The author discusses feasibility of integrating pedagogical HE institutions with universities and alternative ways to develop the former. He explores opportunities for attracting talented candidates to pedagogical institutions and advantages that the double degree educational system provides for training experts of better qualification using Master’s degree programs.