Transforming Teaching: Connecting professional responsibility with student learning

The time has come to respond boldly to a fundamental shift in the mission of American public schools. No longer do only the top 20 percent—or top 50 percent, or top 80 percent—of our students need an advanced education. We must prepare all students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive, fast-changing global economy.

As experienced educators, we are convinced that effective teaching requires preparation for an increasingly complex profession. Currently, our public education system leaves too many of America’s 50 million elementary and secondary school students unprepared for civic engagement, higher education, careers, and family life.

We are frustrated that the onerous structures and mandates currently governing our practice discourage many promising graduates from pursuing our profession.