potential. Making sure that
teachers are qualified and
equipped wherever they
serve? That’s non-negotiable.
As we begin another school
year, there are some
significant developments in
our neighborhood. A new
teacher contract in New York
City has more flexible
career ladders for teachers
and more time for
collaboration among them,
and an initiative called PROSE
means school teams will have
opportunities to innovate
regarding how their schools
are run and organized. The de
5
Blasio administration is
investing in community
schools that will provide
wraparound services
addressing students’ myriad
non-academic needs. On
every level of government,
pre-K initiatives are being
supported. These are all
steps in the right direction.
should, be scrutinized.
However, as we work to
advance teaching excellence,
as a nation we must also face
the complex roadblocks, such
as concentrated poverty, that
impair children’s
opportunities and
advancement.
Shrinking opportunity and
achievement gaps will require
Lynette Guastaferro
proper preparation for new
teachers, support for
Executive Director
educator excellence,
Teaching Matters
leadership, money,
community, and political will.
Teaching quality will, and