Teachers and Leaders

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Effective educators matter. A lot. Research confirms that teachers and leaders are the two most significant school-based factors affecting student achievement, particularly in our lowest performing schools. Teachers have direct impact on students, teaching and molding them every day. Effective teachers can determine whether the student is making growth or falling behind and adjust curriculum and delivery methods as needed. They establish a classroom environment that fosters a thirst for knowledge and exploration. Quality principals create vision; attract, retain, develop and support teachers and school staff; and strengthen school culture. They are also uniquely positioned in their schools to ensure teaching and learning spread beyond single classrooms.

At a time when the United States is falling behind other countries in student achievement and a skilled labor force is essential for economic competitiveness, policymakers are searching for promising new policy ideas to address teacher and principal quality. Although great strides have been made to improve the quality of teaching and leadership in schools, many challenges still exist. The information and resources provided below are designed to aid policymakers as they work to strengthen educator effectiveness and dramatically improve student achievement.

Here are the highlighted issues on this webpage:

Teachers and Leaders

• Race to the Top Legislation
• Teacher Leadership
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
• The College Completion Agenda: State Policy Guide - Chapter 5, Educator Quality
• A Legislator's Guide to Educator Effectiveness Policy

Teachers

• Preparation
• Licensure/Certification
• Recruitment and Retention
• Compensation
• Mentoring/Induction
• Professional Development
• Working Conditions
• Evaluation
• Linking Student and Teacher Data
• Teacher Publications

Leaders

• Preparation
• Licensure/Certification
• Mentoring/Induction
• Professional Development
• Evaluation
• School Leadership Publications