Communication and Teacher Education: Exploring a Communication Course for All Teachers

Abstract

In recent years, teacher education programs have increasingly come under fire. One of the major criticisms of the current state of teacher education in the United States is that many pre-service teachers are not receiving training in speech communication. Given that such training is essential to the day-to-day functioning of teachers, we argue that communication educators as well as those in the education discipline must begin to promote communication training for all teachers. A communication course for teachers is of particular relevance in light of the recent decision of several national accreditation agencies to adopt communication standards for teachers. In this essay, we describe goals, objectives, units, activities, and assignments for a comprehensive communication course for all teachers.

Keywords:

• Communication Skills
• Teacher Preparation
• Communication Education