In addition , schools and districts have observed the role teacher leadership can play in attracting , retaining , and supporting effective teachers .
Tennessee boasts a growing number of diverse teacher leadership opportunities at both the state the district level . In 2016 , SCORE partnered with TDOE to launch the Tennessee Teacher Leadership Collaborative ( TTLC ), a network of organizations and individuals committed to ensuring that every Tennessee teacher has knowledge of and access to multiple sustainable teacher leadership pathways . TTLC supports the development of exemplary and innovative teacher leader networks , acting as an information hub for teacher leadership opportunities and effective practices , and promoting collaboration .
Teachers are accessing leadership opportunities , influencing both policy and practice . In 2016 , Governor Haslam continued to receive direct input from the 17-member Governor ’ s Teacher Cabinet . This cabinet elevates the voice of a diverse array of teachers across the state on education topics including teacher preparation and support , assessment , academic standards development , and implementation of RTI 2 .
In its third year , SCORE ’ s Tennessee Educator Fellowship expanded to 48 teacher fellows from 26 fellows in 2015-16 . During the oneyear fellowship , this diverse group of educators learn about , reflect upon , and inform the policies , practices , and systems that affect students achievement and educator effectiveness . They also serve as liaisons between their colleagues , their communities , policymakers , and advocates as Tennessee continues the work of improving educational outcomes for all students .
The Tennessee Teacher Leader Network , created by TDOE in the fall of 2013 to develop adaptable teacher leadership models for implementation in districts across the state , continues to expand in reach . Between 2013 and 2016 , 29 districts have created teacherleader models tailored to district strategic plans and educators ’ professional learning . 31
These programs , along with others across the state , empower teachers to influence issues beyond their schools and classrooms to benefit students at a broader scale .
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP . Effective school leaders set the vision and promote the culture of a school and work to hire , support , and manage effective teachers to achieve high levels of student learning . Research has shown that principal leadership can account for up to a quarter of in-school factors that influence student performance and that principals are second only to teachers in terms of in-school impact on student academic outcomes . 32 Still , many districts face challenges in finding the right leaders for schools . Results from a survey conducted by the nonprofit advocacy group TennesseeCAN indicated that 60 percent of responding superintendents did not believe they have resources and support from the state to attract and retain quality school leaders . 33
Every year , 25 percent of schools in the United States experience principal turnover , and 50 percent of new principals leave their schools within three years . Principal turnover – which typically has a negative effect on school performance and teacher retention — can undermine even the best teaching and learning efforts in the classroom . As a new generation assumes principalships across Tennessee , the importance of building pathways for instructional leaders to take on these roles remains critically important .
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