Innovations that Reinvent the Role of the Teacher – And Boost Job Satisfaction
America’s schools have a customer satisfaction problem. Research shows that most young people are unhappy with their experiences in school, and the same is true for teachers.
If school leaders are to have any success in tackling the challenges coming out of the pandemic, including staffing shortages, learning gaps and students’ emotional well-being, they must first address the satisfaction problem. Given the well-documented impact of a teacher’s attitude on student happiness, rethinking the value proposition of the profession to bring more flexibility, sustainability and joy to the role might be a good place to start.
The job of the teacher hasn’t substantially changed in decades, despite significant shifts in the world in general and the world of work in particular. The vast majority of educators earn an undergraduate degree in teaching, pass a licensure exam and teach one grade or subject in a classroom for the entire school day. Those who want to work with students but crave flexible schedules, subject or grade-level variety, or simply an opportunity to branch out have few options. Too often, career advancement means leaving the classroom for administrative positions. Meanwhile, people who desire to work in schools but lack the necessary credentials can’t find a way in.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Read the full article at The 74 Million.
Stay in the Know
Sign up for updates on our latest research, insights, and high-impact work.
"*" indicates required fields
About TNTP
TNTP is the nation’s leading research, policy, and consulting organization dedicated to transforming America’s public education system, so that every generation thrives.
Today, we work side-by-side with educators, system leaders, and communities across 39 states and over 6,000 districts nationwide to reach ambitious goals for student success.
Yet the possibilities we imagine push far beyond the walls of school and the education field alone. We are catalyzing a movement across sectors to create multiple pathways for young people to achieve academic, economic, and social mobility.