opportunities for educators to guide and provide
feedback on policies affecting their schools and
districts. SCORE should convene a statewide network
of teacher leaders to increase opportunities for
collaboration between teacher leaders across the
EMPOWER TENNESSEE’S TEACHERS.
state and increase the capacity of current teacher
leader programs. Over the past several years, there
Cultivate a culture of teaching in Tennessee that
has been an increase in opportunities for educators
attracts high-quality candidates to the profession and
to have a voice in the policymaking process as a
supports the continual growth of Tennessee’s current
result of efforts by the Tennessee Department
teachers. As noted earlier, research indicates that
of Education, local school districts, advocacy
teachers have a larger impact on student learning than
organizations, and other education partners across
any other in-school factor. For this reason, it is important
the state. These opportunities have allowed more
to recruit high-quality candidates to the teaching
educators to advocate for changes that reflect the
profession and to expand access to effective teacher
needs in their classrooms and schools. To enhance
preparation programs that give candidates the skills
the impact of these opportunities, SCORE should
they need to effectively improve student learning. It is
create a statewide network of teacher leaders,
also essential to support current teachers, providing
creating additional opportunities for collaboration
them with support, recognition, and leadership
and additional outlets for teacher leadership in
opportunities that will allow them to continually
Tennessee.
improve their instruction and more effectively meet
student needs. Early-career teachers should also have
Ensure the Continued Improvement of Tennessee’s
increased support through professional development
Teacher Preparation Programs. The State Board of
for teaching literacy in all content areas—a key strategy
Education, the Tennessee Department of Education,
to enhance reading levels.
and teacher preparation programs should continue
to implement Tennessee’s Educator Preparation
Elevate Teacher Voice. SCORE, the Tennessee
Policy with fidelity to ensure continued improvement
Department of Education, and non-profit
in Tennessee’s teacher preparation programs. The
organizations should establish and expand
Tennessee Department of Education should publish
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