On the path to strengthen teacher pipelines, support excellent teaching and improve retention, many states have developed opportunities for teacher leadership and advancement. While most states offer advanced licenses to encourage ongoing learning and growth within the teaching profession, many are now also including supports and incentives to encourage more teachers to become leaders in their classrooms, schools and communities. Though district and school leaders drive teacher development and career progressions, state policymakers are creating structures and incentives to support high-quality systems.
Education Commission of the States researched teacher leadership and licensure advancement policies in all states and created 50-State Comparisons showing how all states approach specific policies, current through September 2018.
Key Takeaways
— Thirty states have a licensing system in place that allows teachers to advance beyond a standard professional license. In 17 of these states, teachers are required to demonstrate evidence of effectiveness, either in addition to or in place of other tasks, in order to obtain an advanced license.
— Twenty-two states offer a teacher leader license or endorsement.
— Seventeen states have adopted teacher leader standards; 13 states prescribe the role of the teacher leader in statute or regulation.
— Twenty-four states provide formal supports and/or incentives to teacher leaders.
For the 50-state comparison, see: https://www.ecs.org/50-state-comparison-teacher-leadership-and-licensure-advancement/
For individual state profiles, see: https://www.ecs.org/teacher-leadership-and-licensure-advancement-state-profiles/
