Editorial: State must ensure new teaching plan secures funds

California needs more teachers, and Gov. Schwarzenegger has a
plan. But he must make sure the plan is adequately funded, or his
proposed “California Teach” program won’t amount
to much.

The governor gathered with University of California President
Robert Dynes and California State University Chancellor Charles
Reed on Tuesday to announce the program, which is designed to
quadruple the number of math and science teachers the state
produces every year.

It is an important goal, especially with the increasingly strict
requirements new teachers face ““ and the high demand for
quality teachers.

The proposal would team up four partners: the state, the UC
system, the Cal State system and companies such as SBC and Intel.
It would provide funding, education and incentives for freshly
graduating teaching candidates.

The details of the program have not been finalized, but it is
expected that new graduates who commit to four years of teaching
could receive almost $20,000 in bonuses and loan forgiveness.

The ultimate goal is to increase the number of new teachers from
250 annually to 1,000 by 2010.

Its goals are lofty, and the program is not yet a guaranteed
success. Thus far its funding depends almost entirely on money
donated by private businesses ““ about $4 million so far.

That’s a good start, but private industry donations should
supplement ““ and not replace ““ public funding for
programs like teacher training. Yes, it’s great companies
like SBC and Intel want to improve California’s K-12 system,
but the state should not rely on the good will of these
businesses.

For one thing, relying on private donations puts the state in a
vulnerable position in relation to its K-12 curriculum ““
private companies providing the donations could potentially hold
the state hostage by threatening to withdraw funds.

Private donations could also dry up if the economy shifted or if
California were no longer seen as an important region.

That is not to say California should reject the promised $4
million. Schwarzenegger should accept the donations and hope for
more in the future. But he should also campaign to make sure the
legislature is on board as well.

Teacher training should be one of the state’s highest
priorities. The California Teach program is a step in the right
direction, but it needs to be fully funded ““ and care should
be taken that it does not indebt the state to private business
interests.

For the UC and the Cal State system, California Teach represents
an opportunity to expand their reach into K-12 classrooms and make
sure California’s children are competitive in the 21st
century.

At a time when many of the most qualified college students think
teaching in K-12 classrooms is beneath them, programs such as this
one are critical.

Too few undergraduates incorporate teaching into their career
goals, and the impact of programs such as Teach for America
aren’t enough.

This program should be the first of many between the state and
its universities to ensure classrooms are well stocked with
passionate and qualified individuals. The long-term costs easily
outweigh the immediate investment.