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According to a new study, yes new teachers are more effective. However, this is not a comment that I would make in staff meeting. I anticipated the article to be split with a debate from both sides, but it wasn't really. In my opinion, it goes both ways. I know new teachers who are fabulous and some who are not. The same goes with veteran teachers. I know some who are fabulous and some who are not. I am kinda surprised that a study could be done to test this theory and yet prove one way over the other.
My first thought was that I am relatively new to the teaching field, only four years in, and I would not come close to comparison to the veteran teachers in my family. I have not accomplished the years of teaching yet, nor received any awards or honors. My mom who I would definitely consider a veteran, taught for forty-three years before retiring. I would admit that I am not half as "good" as she was. At the same time, it is my goal to be the kind of teacher she was.
I read a great article the other day and I do believe that "teaching is calling" and "you either have it in you or you do not". So at the end of the day - a teacher is a teacher, no matter new or veteran. Those who have chosen to follow dreams are doing so. Some may be greater than others but we are all doing what we are called to do.
I think one of the big differences between new and veteran teachers is the willingness to try new things. A new teacher is open to trying many different teaching styles because they haven't settled on one yet and are still trying to find themselves as teachers. As veterans, teachers get into a routine that can be difficult to break from, even if it's to the detriment of the students. We've seen multiple veteran teachers who refuse to change with the times and learning styles, even though it's clearly in the students' best interests. I look at new vs. veteran teachers as a wash. Both have their positives and negatives.
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