Perspective | A deep dive into the advanced teaching roles program
By Heather Bronson - Posted Feb 17, 2021
Teachers are at the heart of our educational system, therefore it is imperative that educational leaders support and retain talented educators. Advanced Teaching Role (ATR) models provide multiple avenues to do this. Highly effective teachers are drawn to these positions that allow them to develop as professionals, collaborate with others and be recognized for their expertise. When educators are given the support they need to advance their careers, not only do educators benefit but so do students.
Through funding from The Belk Foundation, the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation conducted a deep dive into three pilot districts — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS) and Pitt County Schools (PCS) — implementing the ATR program to learn why some aspects of the program led to improvements in recruitment and retention, stabilization of school culture, and gains in student outcomes, while some aspects did not. Findings were shared in the Teaching for the Long Haul report.
On Feb. 2, the Friday Institute hosted a webinar featuring leaders from the districts in the report. Panelists included Amy Sullivan, Director of Talent Acquisition at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools; Seth Brown, Ph.D., Director of Educator Support and Leadership Development at Pitt County Schools; and Erin Swanson, Director of Innovation at Edgecombe County Public Schools. More than 200 people registered for the event. Friday Institute Executive Director Hiller A. Spires, Ph.D., The Belk Foundation Executive Director Johanna Anderson, and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction State Superintendent Catherine Truitt provided opening remarks. Moderator and Friday Institute Research Associate Callie Edwards, Ph.D., led the conversation about the value of the advanced teaching roles program and recommendations for those interested in implementing the program in their districts. Here are highlights from that conversation.
The value of the program
During the webinar, district leaders shared their perspectives on the value of the ATR pilot program in their districts, including its impact on teacher retention, student achievement, instructional quality, and support.