The Challenge for America : A High Quality Teacher in Every Classroom. Annual Back to School Address / Richard Riley.

This speech highlights new ways to improve teacher quality. It was prepared following a national search for models of excellence that addressed the training needs of teachers at every stage of their careers. Section 1, "Missing the Mark in Recruiting New Teachers," discusses the need to prepare the next generation of teachers, since in the next 10 years, the country will need to recruit 2.2 million teachers (one-half to two-thirds of whom will be beginning teachers). Section 2, "What Is Wrong with the System?" explains that an outdated teacher training and support system cannot be allowed to frustrate the hopes and dreams of too many teachers. Section 3, "Creating a National Partnership," discusses the importance of national partnerships among K-12 leaders, higher education, and political leaders at all levels. Section 4, "Improving Recruitment," discusses ways to recruit teachers that will interest the next generation of teachers. Section 5, "Challenges to America's Higher Education Community," discusses five areas that colleges of education must address to improve teacher education. Section 6, "Challenges to State and Local School Districts," examines the role of state governments and local school districts in reshaping the teaching profession. Section 7, "Incentives for Veteran Teachers," discusses the importance of incentives to keep the good teachers already in the system and offer them the opportunity to keep on learning. (SM)

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