Transforming Teaching
A CALL FOR REDESIGN
The school shutdowns of the pandemic and resulting slides in student achievement and well-being laid bare the crucial role that school plays in the lives of children beyond the business of learning.
School provides much-needed stability, socialization, and supervision. For many students, school is where basic needs are met: Prior to the pandemic, 77% of DC children relied on free or reduced-price school meals for the nutrition they need to learn and grow.
At the heart of this system is the teacher, for whom expectations and responsibilities have continually increased, even as the classroom environment has remained relatively unchanged for decades.
In addition to the academic progress of the 20 to 30 students that make up their classroom, teachers are responsible for meeting their students’ heightened social-emotional needs, covering lunch and recess, and often even purchasing classroom supplies. The pandemic has exacerbated the problem as teachers have had to face immense health and safety concerns while delivering instruction through brand new platforms.
The tremendous progress DC’s education system has witnessed over the past 10 years is at risk. We know that teachers are the most important school-based factor for student achievement and growth. The pandemic increased the heavy burden DC teachers bear, leaving many feeling burned out and looking to leave the profession.
DC schools need to consider transforming the teacher role to set up teachers—and their students—for success.
