This document profiles San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), a Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) grantee, who adopted a strategic approach to teacher recruitment and retention that included an organizational district redesign and implementation of a master teacher program using revised talent management practices and an aligned,…

This paper is a proposal to address current and future shortages of quality teachers and teacher retention in all areas, but especially those critical need areas such as secondary math and science, and Special Education and World Language in all grades. It further provides a solution to recruit and retain a quality teacher workforce that is more…

"Linking Resources to Results" explores the deliberate approach--including specific goals, a clearly articulated grantmaking strategy and benchmarks for measuring progress--the Chicago Public Education Fund used to help the Chicago Public Schools recognize, reward and deploy high-quality teachers. The case study is intended to help…

In this article, the author offers suggestions for reconceptualizing the Teach for America (TFA) program. She recommends that TFA develop a residency training model with the following features: (1) Extend the program's current two-year commitment to three years; (2) Require first-year corps members to complete a residency year in an experienced…

This oral history study addressed the problem of under-representation of minority teachers through the voices and perspectives of five African American female paraprofessional teacher aides who entered the teaching profession through participation in the Career Opportunities Program in Erie, Pennsylvania from 1970 through 1974. Two theoretical…

In 2007, using funds from the federal Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) and private foundations, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) began piloting its version of a schoolwide reform model called the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP). Under the TAP model, teachers can earn extra pay and take on increased responsibilities through promotion (to mentor…

In 2007, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) began implementing a schoolwide reform called the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) using funds from the federal Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) and private foundations. Under the TAP model, teachers can earn extra pay and responsibilities through promotion to mentor or master teacher as well as annual…

Across America today, school districts face a problem of numbers: too many students, too few educators. In some areas, the shortage of classroom teachers is approaching crisis proportions. Attempts to address the problem of teacher supply have focused on either bringing new people into the field of education or keeping beginning teachers in the…

Describes the goals and implementation plan for the "Master Teacher Program," an incentive pay system that will make teaching a professional career; draw new, high quality teachers, challenge good teachers to do better, and encourage excellence in Tennessee classrooms. The program is part of the larger "Better Schools Program."…

The secretary of education explains why he thinks a position of "master teacher" would help raise the esteem in which teachers are held and attract more highly qualified students to the profession. (SK)

State legislatures and school systems have mandated or recommended mentoring supports for inexperienced teachers. This paper describes a program designed to recruit retired New York City public school teachers to be trained to serve as mentors for newly hired teachers. The study of the training program focused on the interface between the training…

A community survey was undertaken to assess public opinion on five educational issues: (1) teacher recruitment, preparation and certification; (2) professional career ladders and master teacher roles; (3) school staff development; (4) merit salary increases; and (5) teacher image. Respondents (142) included businesses and residences with and…

Commenting on Donna Kerr's ideas for improving teaching (Teachers College Record, Spring 1983), Goodlad points to three factors that discourage able students from becoming teachers: (1) salary structure; (2) job dissatisfaction; and (3) lack of opportunities for promotion. Goodlad compares his own proposals for educational improvement with those…

In a question-and-answer session, David C. Berliner discusses wide range of topics related to current state of the teaching profession, including qualities of the expert teacher, attracting higher quality teachers, teacher career-stage programs, merit pay, and promising reforms for teacher education in last decade. (PKP)

The Chicago Public Education Fund operates as a venture philanthropy: It raises capital from individual and institutional donors and then provides grant funding and direct, hands-on assistance to grantees. With a grantmaking budget totaling $25 million between 2000 and 2008, it seeks to recruit and develop high-potential new teachers and aspiring…