has found that teachers of color can have a
positive impact on the academic achievement
of students of color.9 As Tennessee’s population
diversifies, it is also important for all students to
see a diverse group of educators in classrooms.
SCORE’s numerous conversations with EPP
leaders across the state revealed that although
there are some promising practices that have
improved student teaching experiences,
developed pedagogical skills through the use
of a performance assessment, and enhanced
the diversity of the teaching population,
considerable improvement is possible.
7
In 2014, Tennessee policymakers made key
changes to the state’s educator preparation
policies. These changes have created a
growing momentum to improve the way the
state prepares early-career teachers for the
classroom. Over the coming months, Tennessee
has a clear opportunity to seize this momentum
and become one of the nation’s leaders for
improving educator preparation. We know that
effective educator preparation can improve
student learning. As a state, we must ensure
that all children in Tennessee have access to
effective teaching so that they are given the
opportunity to reach their full potential.