Special Report

Transforming Teachers' Roles

February 18, 2015
This special report explores the growing interest among many educators and school leaders in altering the conventional understandings around what teachers do. In particular, it looks at the ways districts, schools, and teachers themselves are transforming teachers' positions—and the types of supports available to them—in order to drive organizational change, build capacity, improve policymaking, and deepen instructional expertise.
  • Classroom Technology In Calif. District, Blended-Learning Approach Turns Teachers Into Facilitators
    Some teachers say that blended-learning environments, designed to leverage technology and individualize student instruction, can create new roles for teachers as well.
    Jordan Moeny, February 19, 2015
    5 min read
    Rhea Espedido recently advanced to become a “lead” teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Baltimore. The change was made possible by an overhaul of the teacher-pay schedule developed jointly by the local district and the Baltimore Teachers Union.
    Rhea Espedido recently advanced to become a “lead” teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Baltimore. The change was made possible by an overhaul of the teacher-pay schedule developed jointly by the local district and the Baltimore Teachers Union.
    Swikar Patel/Education Week
    Teaching Profession Baltimore Program Aims to Give Teachers New Paths, Higher Pay
    A new system in Baltimore rewards teachers based on their accomplishments rather than their seniority or credentials, presenting teachers with new options.
    Stephen Sawchuk, February 19, 2015
    8 min read
    Teaching Ambassador Fellow Emily Davis, center, helps out a group attending the Teach to Lead summit in Boston. Other summits occurred in Louisville, Ky., and Denver.
    Teaching Ambassador Fellow Emily Davis, center, helps out a group attending the Teach to Lead summit in Boston. Other summits occurred in Louisville, Ky., and Denver.
    Charlie Mahoney for Education Week
    School & District Management Teacher Leadership Makes Inroads, But Strives for Permanency
    Those championing the movement see it as a necessary structural change to school systems, and one that is capable of being more than a fleeting trend.
    Ross Brenneman, February 19, 2015
    9 min read
    Maddie Fennell speaks during a Teach to Lead summit in Boston. Fennell, a second-year Teaching Ambassador Fellow, helped oversee the Boston summit.
    Maddie Fennell speaks during a Teach to Lead summit in Boston. Fennell, a second-year Teaching Ambassador Fellow, helped oversee the Boston summit.
    Charlie Mahoney for Education Week
    School & District Management Seeking Greater Influence, Teachers Gain Policy Foothold in Education Department
    The Teaching Ambassador Fellows at the U.S. Department of Education have sought to bring teacher leadership to federal policy.
    Ross Brenneman, February 19, 2015
    4 min read
    Teacher Emilio Solano reads "To Kill a Mockingbird" to 8th grade students at Sandra Cisneros Learning Academy in Los Angeles. Solano recently attended a National Academy of Advanced Teacher Education intensive training course as part of his professional development. —Emile Wamsteker for Education Week
    Teacher Emilio Solano reads "To Kill a Mockingbird" to 8th grade students at Sandra Cisneros Learning Academy in Los Angeles. Solano recently attended a National Academy of Advanced Teacher Education intensive training course as part of his professional development. —Emile Wamsteker for Education Week
    Professional Development Elite PD Program Seeks to Build Top Teachers' Expertise
    The National Academy of Advanced Teacher Education is built on the idea that the best teachers need opportunities to wrestle with cognitively challenging professional work to improve their craft and spread their expertise.
    Stephen Sawchuk, February 19, 2015
    6 min read
    Teaching Profession Opinion Why Schools Need More 'Hybrid' Teaching Roles
    Too many good teachers are forced to leave the classroom just because they want new challenges and a sense of advancement, English teacher Paul Barnwell says.
    Paul Barnwell, February 19, 2015
    7 min read
    School & District Management Opinion What It's Like to Teach in a Teacher-Led School
    Carrie Bakken, a program coordinator and teacher at the Avalon School in St. Paul, Minn., says that working at a teacher-led school gives her a greater sense of autonomy and opportunity.
    Carrie Bakken, February 19, 2015
    7 min read