About Us
THE PROBLEM:
Teachers are the #1 factor in student achievement, yet experienced, excellent teachers are leaving our urban schools at alarming rates
Schools only retain 50% of teachers within their first five years, negatively affecting student outcomes. Furthermore, teachers are 50% more likely to leave urban environments, predominantly serving students of color. These staggering attrition rates cost us over $7 billion annually.
THE NEED:
We must create lasting capacity in our schools by building systems that empower these excellent teachers
Teachers with under 10 years of experience now make up 45% of the overall teaching force. Less than 40% were encouraged to remain teaching at their school. A staggering 92% of teachers wish there were more opportunities to further their careers and professional skills while continuing to impact students.
THE THEORY OF CHANGE
THE VISION:
We foresee a future in which all schools are filled with excellent, empowered teachers. We believe that teacher leaders possess the answers to challenges their schools face and hold the keys to creating a school-wide culture of learning. We envision a city in which the best people are empowered to continue serving in our most under resourced communities.
THE WHITE PAPER
This White Paper draws on seven years of testing and refining our model in schools. Through a collaboration with Teach For America, we explored how our program can serve as a vital catalyst for experienced teacher leaders to grow and sustain in their careers. Together, we examined the conditions that help teachers move from classroom success to broader school or system leadership without losing connection to practice. Our findings inform this White Paper’s recommendations for schools, districts, and partners seeking to invest in teacher leadership as a key driver of long-term system stability.
