Strategic staffing models seek to disrupt the one-teacher, one-classroom model by redefining adult roles in classrooms for improved learning outcomes.
Current classroom structures, often dictated by rigid teacher contracts, hinder the flexibility needed for innovative staffing models. However, pioneering initiatives like Arizona State University’s Next Education Workforce and Public Impact’s Opportunity Culture show promising results in enhancing student learning and teacher satisfaction.
To enable such models effectively, contractual policies must be reevaluated to align with modern educational needs. While some constraints are governed by state law, many school systems have opportunities to revise contract policies to accommodate innovative staffing approaches. Exploring various provisions within our contract bank can illuminate how carefully constructed and flexible policies can support strategic staffing in today’s classrooms.
Teacher Leadership
Create well-compensated, meaningful leadership roles that attract and select highly effective teachers to take on greater responsibility
Compensation
Increase pay for teacher leaders who take on more responsibility
Professional Learning
Encourage the teacher-to-teacher collaboration and dedicated time necessary to make professional learning successful
Teacher Evaluation
Establish evaluation systems that leverage multiple measures of teacher performance, provide opportunities for continuous feedback and growth, and connect to customized professional learning
School-based Flexibility
Create mechanisms for site-based flexibility that allow schools to make decisions best for their school community, thus providing them the means to eliminate contract barriers to strategic staffing