Teachers are expected to have content knowledge for the areas in which they are seeking licensure, such as high school English or middle school math. Effective teaching also requires knowledge of child social, cognitive, emotional and physical development for the grades the license will cover. States ensure teachers possess content knowledge through the licensure examination and a curriculum review of the approved teacher training program.
Teachers need to know how to teach, not just what to teach. Such pedagogical skills include lesson creation and planning, classroom management and the ability to differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs. The ability to measure teaching and learning is also an essential skill. Teachers must regularly assess student learning, as well as their own effectiveness as teachers. States rely on student teaching to impart such skills, and all alternative pathways to licensure include some form of hands-on experience like that found in traditional university programs.
State licensing agencies rely on teacher training programs to ensure teachers have the right dispositions to ensure student engagement and achievement. The National Council For Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits teacher training programs at colleges and universities and sets forth certain dispositions that teachers should possess, including the ability to think critically, solve problems and collaborate with peers. Teachers should create a positive learning environment based on a belief that all children can learn and a commitment to equity, inclusion and a respect for diversity.
Teacher shortages and the need for districts to hire non-licensed teachers has allowed for a comparison of effectiveness between licensed and non-licensed teachers. A study published in 2008 in the "Economics of Education Review" found little to no difference between licensed and non-licensed teachers on math or reading achievement. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, however, analyzed several studies and concluded that teacher content training positively influences student achievement and notes that licensure is one way to ensure such training. The Fordham Foundation reports that students with certified teachers out-performed those with non-certified teachers, whether the teachers came through a traditional college program or alternative path.