NCTQ tracks and analyzes policies and practices across a wide range of topics related to teacher quality. Learn more about why each of these policy areas is important to teacher quality, view analyses of what states and districts are doing, and see recommendations for improvement.
A strong clinical practice experience can make a new teacher as effective as one in their second or third year in the classroom—a big gain for those teachers and, more importantly, their students.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn to read, yet across the nation, nearly 40% of fourth-graders cannot read at a basic level. Giving students access to teachers who use scientifically based reading instruction can boost student reading success to more than 90% of students.
Math skills are essential to students’ educational and life success–including predicting future earnings and other long-term outcomes. Well-prepared teachers are critical to ensuring all children learn this foundational knowledge.
To be successful, elementary teachers need content knowledge in social studies and science—both to build students’ understanding of the world and to support students in becoming strong readers.
Teachers of English learners need specialized training to provide effective instruction that empowers students to develop the language skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. They also play a critical role in celebrating and affirming the linguistic and cultural assets of multilingual learners.
It’s time to reimagine the teaching role. States and school districts that implement innovative staffing approaches can improve teacher hiring and retention and—most importantly—boost student learning.
Students receiving special education services have their own unique learning needs. We need a robust pipeline of teachers who are well prepared to provide the support and accommodations necessary to help these students succeed.
Teacher compensation is a powerful tool to strengthen teacher quality. When states and districts invest in competitive, strategic pay systems, they can attract effective teachers, keep them in the classroom, and solve staffing challenges—fostering stronger learning environments.
Teachers of color produce positive academic, social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes for all students, especially students of color, who have long been disadvantaged by our nation’s schools. Yet many students never have a single teacher of color. That needs to change.
Strong teacher evaluation systems can help improve teachers’ practice, identify and uplift highly effective teachers, remove ineffective teachers from the classroom, and enhance the overall quality of the workforce.
Adequate leave policies and benefits help school districts attract and retain great teachers, ultimately leading to better student outcomes.
Maintaining high teacher licensure standards helps ensure that teachers have the knowledge and skills they need to teach students before they enter the classroom.
Strong teacher preparation ensures that teachers enter classrooms ready to excel, create engaging learning environments, boost student achievement, and set up future generations for success.
Comprehensive teacher workforce data gives us the insights we need to implement policies and practices that effectively strengthen and diversify the teacher workforce.
