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Minds and Matter: School district applies for Teacher Leadership Grant
by Kevin Hatfield, School Superintendent · Op-Ed · November 13, 2014
The West Branch Community School District has a history of providing students with outstanding programming and teaching designed to support the learning needs of each generation of students.
As shared in previous communications, meeting the 21st Century learning needs of all students is perhaps the greatest challenge educators have ever faced.
Over the past 20 to 25 years, principals and administrators have been required to become more than just managers of their schools. Today’s principals are asked to be instructional leaders as well.
While a principal’s instructional leadership is critical, the research shows that they can’t do it by themselves. A common characteristic found in the highest achieving schools is that meaningful teacher leadership roles are embedded in their cultures. Effective teaching and teacher leadership roles are the hallmarks of significant school improvement.
Educators and legislators studied research regarding the impact of teacher leadership systems on student learning and teacher careers. In 2013, Iowa legislators approved $50 million a year for the next three years to support a competitive grant process known as the Teacher Leadership and Compensation system.
The West Branch Community School District commissioned a TLC Planning Committee. The TLC Planning Committee’s membership is made up of teachers, parents, a board member and administrators.
They have been diligently working on a plan that would allow the district to implement a high-quality teacher leadership and compensation system. The grant was submitted to the state on Friday, Oct. 31.
The goals of the plan are to ensure the implementation of a teacher leadership and compensation system that will:
• Improve student achievement through improved instruction utilizing collaboration around the effective use of data that informs instruction.
• Develop and promote a positive and supportive school culture built on trusting relationships that focus on the careful analysis of student learning and improving teacher pedagogy.
• Utilize meaningful teacher leadership roles involving coaches, building and district-level leadership positions.
• Transform teaching and learning processes through the promotion of personalized, project-based learning opportunities.
• Retain and attract effective teachers by rewarding professional leadership and career options.
The TLC Planning Committee feels strongly that the plan will dramatically enhance the district’s ability to fulfill it vision, mission and destination goals.
Our students deserve it.
Go Bears!
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