Dr. Pam Williford

Most educators, from student teachers like Harris to deans of university departments of education like Dr. Pam Williford, are opposed to the move.

"I think it's disastrous," said Williford, dean of the Irvin School of Education at Hardin-Simmons University.
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"You don't debunk stereotypes in a one-day workshop," Williford said.

Students in college teacher preparation courses also get training in teaching children with disabilities, managing a classroom, and disciplining children.None of that would be provided to a teacher with a temporary certificate.

"They're basically saying the body of reading and research we do every day is unimportant," Williford said.

Classroom teachers also are opposed to the change.

Williford is a member of the board of directors of Big Country Teachers Center, an organization of area teachers affiliated with the Region 14 Education Service Center.

Pamela Williford

Hardin-Simmons University

Pam Williford, Dean of the Irvin School of Education, Hardin-Simmons University

Dr. Pamela WillifordPresident: Hardin Simmons University

Conoley, Dr. Pamela Williford of Hardin Simons University, Dr. Estelle J. Sit of Laredo Community College, Dr. Karen Loonam of Region XI Education Service Center, Pam Grossman of Pasadena ISD Alternative Certification Program and Sharon Fikes of Education Career Alternatives Program participated in a panel discussion on preparation programs.
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Williford recommended empowering the classroom teacher and providing opportunities to advance without leaving the classroom to become an administrator.She also warned against the practice of putting novice teachers into difficult teaching jobs.

9:00 - 9:10 a.m. Welcome - Pam Williford, Dean of Education, HSU