InClass

Arizona’s teaching force is one of the youngest in the country. How does that impact our schools?

Chances are, you’re a young teacher. Or, maybe your co-teacher is just a couple years out of college. Either way, the Arizona teaching landscape is a young one, poised to learn and grow immensely.

According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, in 1988, the largest group of U.S. teachers possessed 15 years of experience. In 2008, the largest group was teachers with had only one year of experience.

What does this mean for administration and fellow teachers? A few things. First and foremost, fresh faces are likely to be enthusiastic, which matters in the classroom. A lot. You can also expect these millennial teachers to be technology friendly, adapting quickly and easily to any platforms and relying almost exclusively on online communication. Other pros: increased student relatability and intimate knowledge of standardized testing.

But new teachers are just that — new. A 22-year-old hire just out of college has, at best, a year of student teaching. They’ll require some nurturing, mentorship and maybe even some tissues. (We’ve all been there.) One key: Start professional development early and often. As a teacher, you never stop learning. Visit the Arizona K12 Center’s website for a complete list of upcoming professional development learning events.