Developing and Retaining Highly Qualified Teachers. MCEA and MCPS agree that quality teaching is a complex job that requires knowledge, skill, preparation, and commitment. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) (NCLB) now requires that all school districts employ only “highly qualified” teachers, as defined by the Act. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act also imposes additional specific “quality” requirements on elementary and secondary teachers. To meet the federal quality standards, particularly with regard to schools of greatest need, we agree that a focus on effective teaching must be a top priority of MCEA and MCPS. To be effective with a diverse and challenged student population, teachers need a significant repertoire of skills, strategies, and practices derived from research about teaching and student learning and the knowledge to match these skills to student instructional needs. We acknowledge that incentives may be needed to encourage highly qualified teachers to join or remain in the workforce at our high needs schools. One of the best incentives for teachers is to understand that they will be joining a professional learning community, working with colleagues who are willing and able to collaborate with them and support their growth. MCEA and MCPS recognize the significant leadership that teachers provide in the improvement of instructional practice and school quality. Teachers work collaboratively with colleagues and administrators to design job-embedded professional development which is focused on student achievement, their own professional growth, and the advancement of their profession. We will develop and encourage innovations in professional development and teacher leadership that allow our best teachers to lead and coach colleagues for educational improvement. Lastly, we acknowledge that National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification—the teaching profession’s highest distinction—is one of the ways that new and experienced teachers can demonstrate that they meet NCLB’s definition of “highly qualified.” We commit to developing a support system that will encourage and sustain applicants and reward recipients of National Board Certification. Improving student learning and achievement is the goal for all educators as teachers, principals, and other administrators collaboratively plan professional development. All training and development activities are directly aligned to support student outcomes and system goals. The best strategy...
