ADVOCATES FOR TEACHER EDUCATION:
WORKING FOR THE COMMON GOOD

 A Statement of the Illinois Association of Teacher Education

April 2003

 Teacher education and teacher educators have become besieged by criticism, narrow and distorted interpretations of who we are, and what we actually do.  We have encountered unprecedented, unfounded and troubling attacks and agree with those who question if quality education will be sacrificed as states attempt to comply with the No Child Left Behind Act (AERA, 2002; Blair, 2002; Darling-Hammond, 2002).

In recognition of the importance of teacher preparation, the Illinois Association of Teacher Educators (IATE), a professional organization for over 40 years, is committed to the concept of education for all.  We believe that the quality of that education depends upon the effectiveness of teaching, that teacher performance can be improved, and that the quality of that education can be improved through cooperative efforts (IATE Constitution Preamble, 1970).

Accordingly, on April 3^rd, 2003 the Executive Council of the Illinois Association of Teacher Educators, following our Annual Fall 2002 Conference where we addressed the conference theme “Working For The Common Good” and synthesized over 240 responses from professors, administrators, teachers, students and legislators, affirmed the following:

IATE affirms that there is a common good all concerned with schooling in Illinois can endorse: student learning, citizenship, democratic principles and values, quality teaching.

IATE continues to recognize that the responsibility for educating the youth of Illinois rests with all citizens, and accordingly, advocates for quality teacher education to include college and university professors, school administrators and teachers, the Illinois State Board of Education and all who care for children in Illinois.

IATE continues to endorse supervised clinical experiences, research on classroom teaching and advocates for a teacher education that is open, research based, improves instruction, experience and practice with a passion for the care of children.  Further, teacher education should subscribe to the highest standards, including those of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

IATE calls upon all teacher education advocates to become proactive, stand up for children, teachers, and teacher education, and collaborate with all involved in the education of youth in Illinois.