by Mel Riddile

After finishing a 90-minute presentation a few months ago, I was approached by a friend of mine who happens to be a well-known researcher with a reputation as a discerning critic. He said to me, “Everything you said was correct.” Given my experience with him, this was a high compliment. I held my breath as he continued,  “I just don’t know which point makes the most difference in improving schools. But you missed the key point. It isn’t about school leadership. It is about hiring the best teachers. That’s the key to improving schools. All you have to do is hire great teachers.”

Enter Teach for America. TFA recruits candidates from the top universities to serve a two-year stint teaching in high-poverty schools. A four-minute NPR segment “Teachers Learn on the Job” provides a good overview for those unfamiliar with TFA. Here are some key points from the segment. The good news is that TFA recruits are highly motivated, welcome the challenge of working in with high-risk students, and they are not easily discouraged. The bad news is that they have little preparation--TFA candidates complete a five-week course and are then sent directly to the front lines--and they are weak in classroom management skills. Experienced administrators know that this combination spells doom for most new teachers and that puts a lot of pressure on their receiving school to provide needed supports. As a result, TFA recruits must rely heavily on the “many mentors and advisors” provided by the program and the school.  However, that is not all the bad news. TFA recruits only commit to two years of service.

The NPR report points out that some principals are reluctant to hire TFA candidates because they understand the importance of continuity. They want at least a three-year commitment. In addition, school leaders understand the investment of time and resources it takes to get a new teacher up to speed. Not all teachers will make it, but when they enter with a pre-conceived notion that this is only a two-year option, turnover becomes a major concern.

Now, back to my friend the expert. I turned to him and said,  “Who do you think recruits, interviews, hires, and trains your great teachers? Teaching is a profession, and professionals learn and grow from experience. They don’t walk into schools with all the skills and knowledge that they will ever need as teachers. All new teachers must rely on the mentors and advisors, most of whom are provided by the principal.” If it is great teachers who make great schools, then it is the person who hires, nurtures and trains the teacher who is the difference that makes the difference—the principal.