Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell is asking the state Legislature to create a "fast track" into the teaching ranks for technology and engineering professionals, reports the Associated Press. Under Rendell’s proposal, candidates for the "residency certification" would have to complete an intensive, four-month training program on instructional strategies and child development. That approach bypasses the traditional two- or four-year certification path. Rendell says it will help fill teacher shortages and better prepare the students for fast-growing fields. Rendell says such a program could help Pennsylvania attract more money from the federal government’s stimulus program, which set aside $5 billion to reward states that pursue innovation in education…

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