There is no profession with a greater impact on our collective future than teaching. It is at once a creative pursuit and an awesome responsibility. However, teaching is a complex pursuit. What works for one student may not work for another. And education leaders have neither perfected nor aligned ways in which they recruit, develop, support, and reward teachers to reach optimum results.
Long before the pandemic, teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention topped the list of NASBE members’ priorities for better information to guide state board policymaking and convening. The authors in this issue answer that call with diverse perspectives on policies affecting educators and the school systems where they work.
Five Trends Shaping the Teaching Force
By Richard M. Ingersoll, Elizabeth Merrill, Daniel Stuckey, Gregory Collins and Brandon HarrisonState policymakers looking to increase recruitment and retention should keep an eye on these long-term trends.
The Uneven Landscape of Teacher Preparation
By Leslie T. FenwickState statutes impede students' equitable access to profession-ready teachers.
A Data-Driven Approach to Staffing Schools
By Hannah Putman and Heather PeskeLowering teacher standards may fail to solve actual pipeline problems and can create new ones.
Licensure Tests as Barriers to the Profession
By Victoria Van CleefStates should explore better means of assessing teachers' classroom readiness.
Teacher Preparation for Whole-Child Design
By Jennifer DePaoli and Ryan SaundersState leaders have a role in ensuring that educator preparation both models and reflects the science of learning and development.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Missouri
By Paul KatnikState leaders commit to efforts to attract and keep teachers in the classroom.
Ensuring Equity in Grow-Your-Own Programs
By Conra D. GistState-level criteria for programs' design can yield better outcomes in preparing and retaining diverse teachers.
Creating State Education Systems That Value Student Cultures
By William Rodick and Tanji Reed MarshallState boards can set the stage for learning environments that connect and engage all students.
Preparing Pre-K Teachers: Policy Considerations and Strategies
By Amaya Garcia and Cara SklarFour practices to increase the pool of skilled early educators stand out as promising.
Opinion
State Board Voice: Educator Mental Health
By Wendy TurnerEducators live at the intersection of policy, practice, and people.
Student Voice: Three Ways to Boost Student Engagement with State Boards
By Liv Birnstad and Juliana LopezStudent members can conduct outreach through talking casually to students in school.
The NASBE Interview: Christine Benson, Sharif El-Mekki, Willis Walter, and Ryan Saunders
By Christine Benson, Ryan Saunders, Sharif El-Mekki and Willis Walter"All indications are that teacher turnover is rising and will continue to do so."
We the Media: Changing the Narrative
By Renée Rybak LangState boards can use their forums to show how rewarding and impactful teaching can be.
From the President’s Pen: Celebrate Teachers
By Paolo DeMariaThere is enough evidence to point us to better ways of ensuring that every student has a great educational experience every day.
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