Creating Programs for Improving the Effectiveness of Experienced, High Performing Teachers

The Center for Better Schools was founded in 2009 to explore specific ways to accelerate improvement in the delivery of high quality education in United States K – 12 schools. After nearly a year of researching various aspects of the American school reform movement, the principals of The Center for Better Schools in consultation with leading thinkers in the field established a non-profit entity to dig more deeply into addressing the paucity of attention currently paid to the educational and developmental needs of experienced, high performing classroom teachers.

While many throughout the nation are focused on better recruitment, training, induction and mentoring of new entrants to the K-12 teaching profession, The Center for Better Schools is focusing all of its attention on experienced, high performing teachers. Few organizations in the country have targeted this important group of committed, proficient teachers who are already delivering strong gains in improved student achievement. We are asking the question: What kinds of programs, curricular materials, and support would make these high performing teachers even more effective, increase their value to their schools, districts and networks and entice them to stay in the profession of classroom teaching?

We have developed a concept for an elite Academy for experienced high performing teachers and are currently working on other program designs as well. We are developing curricular content and course materials focused on teachers who are already performing at a high level and are signaling an interest in staying in the classroom teaching profession.