American teachers are ready and eager to play a larger and more important role in improving student learning—and the American public very much wants them to do so.
Over the past decade a growing body of research has confirmed the quality of teaching is the single most powerful influencer of student learning. As a result, policymakers have turned their attention to increasing the effectiveness of teachers. The general consensus is our nation needs teachers who are ready, willing, and able to take on new, professional roles to transform teaching, schools and schooling.