Transforming Teacher Work
Transforming Teacher Work is a report developed by Advance Illinois in collaboration with Advance Illinois’ Educator Advisory Council (EAC) – a group of award-winning teachers who have been recognized for moving Illinois toward a better future. These teachers – and hundreds like them – tell the story of how students benefit when teachers are empowered as leaders, innovators, and avid learners.
"Let's start a real conversation in every district in Illinois about professionalizing teachers' careers and attracting the best and the brightest to our schools." - Joe Fatheree, NEA National Educator and 2007 Illinois Teacher of the Year, Effingham, IL
The report relies on four guideposts and related objectives that form a pathway to transforming teacher work. In each area, we suggest Illinois make the most of recent reforms, spearhead change through innovation zones, and scale up proven solutions. And for each guidepost, we profile an Illinois educator or program that is doing exemplary work toward that goal.
The vision of teacher work we are promoting through these guideposts relies on the collective intelligence and ingenuity of our teachers, building on evidence that how teachers work with one another is as important to their effectiveness as the knowledge and skill they have as individuals. Specifically, we envision a workplace where:
Teachers collaborate effectively. Shared goals and jointly developed curriculum improve the content and consistency of what teachers deliver. Peer observation, feedback, and support help teachers consistently improve their instructional practice. Collaborative monitoring of student work and progress help teachers identify and address student needs quickly and effectively. Most importantly, teachers have the time and tools to work together.
Teachers work side-by-side with administrators, taking leadership roles and sharing responsibility for outcomes. Teacher leaders have the support and authority among their peers to mentor, evaluate, and lead their colleagues. They work with administrators to build targeted supports for teachers and students in order to meet the changing and varied demands of today’s more diverse population. They also work with their colleagues to build curriculum and assessments at the school level, because when instructional leadership comes from fellow teachers, teachers listen.
Teachers, like their students, continue learning and evolving. Teachers don’t have just a few days each year set aside to learn. They’re constantly learning and growing, bringing in expert help as needed, giving one another feedback, and receiving support from the administration to apply and adapt their new knowledge. Because teaching is more than standing in front of students, teachers need to be empowered and equipped to lead.
Teachers can advance in their careers without leaving the classroom. Innovative teachers work with communities and families to respond to local needs, and collaborate with district and state policymakers to ground policy in practice. These contributions are recognized throughout a teacher’s career.
