(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that all 336 Iowa school districts have applied to join the state’s Teacher Leadership and Compensation System, the most comprehensive teacher leadership system in the nation.
According to Branstad’s Office, this targeted effort to tap into the expertise of top teachers to better support the more demanding work that teachers are expected to do and to raise student achievement, is the centerpiece of the landmark education reform package adopted by the Legislature and signed by Branstad in 2013.
The legislation created a three-year phase in process to develop a statewide teacher leadership system, with the goal of all school districts participating by the 2016-17 school year.
As of this week, all school districts in Iowa have developed and submitted local plans to participate in the teacher leadership system. When the teacher leadership system is fully phased in, it will cost $150 million annually.
“As the Lt. Governor and I travel around the state and visit with schools districts that are engaged in the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System, we’re hearing that this system is transforming instruction in the classroom,” said Gov. Branstad. “We know that these targeted investments are paving the way to give Iowa students a world-class education while revitalizing the teaching profession.”
The teacher leadership system rewards outstanding teachers with leadership opportunities, attracts promising teachers with competitive starting salaries and support, and fosters greater collaboration for all teachers to learn from each other.
“In order to achieve our goal of making Iowa schools the best in the nation, we must continue to be innovative in our approach,” said Lt. Gov. Reynolds. “Teachers are the key to giving students a globally competitive education. The teacher leadership system is working to ensure that we are attracting the brightest and best teachers to our classrooms. We want to ensure we are giving teachers the tools to be successful. I commend all districts on their planning efforts.”
Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise said feedback from Iowa teachers and principals has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I hear over and over again that the teacher leadership system has empowered teachers and principals to work together in new and creative ways,” Wise said. “With higher expectations for all students in place today, it’s critical that we support the important and complex work of teaching, and Iowa is doing that through the teacher leadership system.”
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