NYC Amps Up Teacher Recruiting, Training Ahead Of Fall Pre-K Expansion
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City is on a teacher recruiting and training blitz as it prepares to take on tens of thousands of additional pre-kindergarten students this fall.
Adding more than 30,000 pre-K seats in just a few months is not without its challenges, NYU Professor Susan Neuman told WCBS 880's Jim Smith.
NYC Amps Up Teacher Recruiting, Training Ahead Of Fall Pre-K Expansion
"Teaching pre-school is a very different art and science than elementary school," said Neuman, who is a professor of early childhood education.
The recruiting blitz also includes crash courses at CUNY.
David Steine, dean of the education school at Hunter College, said it's a serious responsibility.
"They are taking an intensive series of proprietary courses with us on crucial skills and knowledge," he said.
Despite the mad dash to secure enough competent staff, Department of Education's Sophia Pappas told Smith the city is prepared.
"We feel very confident that come September we'll be ready to go," she said.
Pappas added that the city will be keeping close tabs on teachers in order to learn and make improvements.
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