Ask the Teacher(s): What Could Success Look Like?

In this webinar, Roberto Rodríguez of Teach Plus moderated a conversation with teachers and teacher leaders, lifting their voices on the impact of the pandemic and their insights and aspirations for what success could look like in a world where remote learning will be an important component to a new normal. 

To set the context, Rodriguez — along with Mel Coryell and Natalie Brown, both Teach Plus fellows and teachers — shared the findings of the recent Teach Plus report, Barriers to Bridges: Teacher Perspectives on Accelerating, Learning, Leadership, and Innovation in the Pandemic. The findings included: 

• the need for teachers to prioritize the mental health well-being of both teachers and students; 
• the need for relevant professional development on how to teach remotely; 
• the importance of using this moment to transform public education; 
• the importance of diagnostic assessments to tailor their curriculum and page of teaching; and 
• the need for deeper partnerships and relationships with families. 

Peggy Brookins, NBCT, President and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching standards (NBPTS), spoke to how the pandemic is creating the opportunity to reshape the future of teaching and learning. To set the stage, Brookins shared the 5 Core Propositions set forth in the vision for accomplished teaching — each of which are more important than ever: commitment to students, depth of knowledge in their subject area, managing and monitoring students, thinking systemically about their practice, and teachers being members of learning communities. The 60+ NBPTS webinars supporting teachers during the pandemic are serving as a platform for teachers to learn and to help shape the future of teaching. 

Commentator Jessica Tilli, school-based teacher leader at Philadelphia School District, offered thoughtful reflections and insights, including the recognition that teachers “are not well” in this moment, yet they are determined to “figure it out” and use this moment to shape success for the field and their students.