Thoughts of a Pragmatist on edTPA
I think a lot of people assume that I love the edTPA! Ha! Nothing could be further from the truth. So let's set the record straight! I create materials/videos to HELP you because I don't want this to stand in your way of becoming a teacher. Here are my thoughts and feelings about the edTPA:
I am against all high-stakes testing. No one measure of ability or achievement should stand in the way of otherwise talented people entering the teaching profession.
Student Teaching is the most important experience of a pre-service teacher. Nothing should deter from that experience. edTPA takes time away from student teaching. Even though the "ed" in edTPA stands for educative, the portfolio assessment does more to detract from the student teaching experience than it does to enhance it.
If states require edTPA, it should be after their first year of teaching. I would suggest that it be a requirement for a different level of license by the end of the third year. (This topic needs its own post.)
Early experiences with failure shake the confidence of new teachers. Self-confidence is very important in the success of new teachers.
We're in a Teacher Shortage, for Heaven's Sake! Government and society needs to be in reflection about the causes of this.
We're stuck with it for now.
I discourage student teachers from spending energy on being angry about the edTPA. Your experience right now is stressful and hard. Spend your little time and dwindling energy on getting this done. Then when it is over, go on a letter-writing campaign. When you are consumed with anger, you are letting "them" take even more from you.
Don't Let edTPA Stand in Your Way!
Mamaw Yates
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