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Elevating the Teaching Profession

Cultivating Progressive Agency

Matthew Weber

Perhaps the most salient lesson learned from the pandemic was how much we still need teachers. Technology will not usurp the fundamental auspices of principals, master teachers, counselors, and other support staff. Students, as social learners, require guidance, structure, and reassurance from adults. The empirical evidence suggests economically disadvantaged students suffer the most from the restricted personal connection of over-reliance on technology.

The data indicate that teachers (1) cannot be replaced in the foreseeable future, and (2) are the most critical component for student realization of future readiness. The status quo is antiquated, faltering with crisis talent shortages, and only projected to intensify further. Preserving the U.S.’s global standing and expanding democratic principles for equality are inseparably coupled with the plight of teachers. Reinvigorating the teaching profession requires decisive action to reorganize the ecosystem and professional opportunities for educators.

Enticing growing pools of talent into the teaching profession involves establishing a vibrant academic structure and altering the perception of teacher value. My viewpoint is to start with teachers. The optimal approach for educational excellence is empowered teachers working in a tiered system for progressive leadership. Grounded in a supportive structure to earn increasing autonomy, teachers elevate their professional agency.

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Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 220 • Trim: 6¼ x 9¼
978-1-4758-7049-7 • Hardback • April 2023 • $90.00 • (£69.00)
978-1-4758-7050-3 • Paperback • April 2023 • $35.00 • (£30.00)
Subjects: Education / Philosophy, Theory & Social Aspects, Education / Aims & Objectives, Education / Educational Policy & Reform / General

Matthew Weber, PhD,has served as a teacher, principal, department director, district program evaluator, and deputy superintendent. After 41 years as a public-school educator, he retired as an idealist, believing in incorporating the most current knowledge from research and practice.

Preface

Acknowledgments

  1. Why Start with Teachers?
  2. Teachers as Professionals
  3. Authenticating Teacher Agency
  4. Embracing Research
  5. Meaningful Teacher Evaluations
  6. Teacher Pathways
  7. Master Teachers in Distinctive Roles
  8. Recasting Teacher Unions
  9. Reimagining Professional Learning
  10. Critical-Need Educators - Substitute Teachers and Paraprofessionals
  11. Critical-Need Teachers – Early Childhood, Special Education, and Bilingual
  12. Critical-Needs Secondary – Math, Science, and Computer Science
  13. Executing the Teacher Plan
  14. Financing for Stability

Postlude: One Viewpoint in an Idea World

Appendix A: Acronyms

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

Elevating the Teaching Profession is timely and provides much insight into the reality that superintendents are grappling with as instructional leaders. Especially important is understanding why classroom teachers are leaving in massive numbers and why young adults are not willing to join the profession. Dr. Weber's book provides unique strategies and systems that, if implemented, will elevate the teaching profession to better recruit, onboard, and retain novice teachers.


— Carol G. Perez, Superintendent of Schools, Mission Consolidated Independent School District, Texas


Elevating the Teaching Profession: Cultivating Progressive Agency is a well-written asssessment of our educational landscape as it pertains to the high quality expectations for supporting a teacher pipeline. Additionally, this body of work speaks to potential solutions for addressing the challenges faced regarding high quality teacher recruitment and retention. I especially appreciate that this work has been created by a practitioner who has experienced the education system firsthand. Weber has presented this work from a practitioner's perspective while applying a theoretical lens to propose positive change. This is a truly informative body of work.


— Marisa B. Perez-Diaz, Board Member, Texas State Board of Education


Outstanding teachers are fundamental for national competitiveness academically, socially, and economically. Weber addresses the root causes for the escalating teacher shortages. He subsequently suggests pragmatic strategies and systems to elevate teachers’ status in society. Revamping the antiquated professional stereotypes with pathways leading to leadership roles is a viable plan for attracting and retaining teacher talent.


— John Deasy, PhD, former superintendent; partner, Cambiar Education,


Elevating the Teaching Profession

Cultivating Progressive Agency

Cover Image
Hardback
Paperback
Summary
Summary
  • Perhaps the most salient lesson learned from the pandemic was how much we still need teachers. Technology will not usurp the fundamental auspices of principals, master teachers, counselors, and other support staff. Students, as social learners, require guidance, structure, and reassurance from adults. The empirical evidence suggests economically disadvantaged students suffer the most from the restricted personal connection of over-reliance on technology.

    The data indicate that teachers (1) cannot be replaced in the foreseeable future, and (2) are the most critical component for student realization of future readiness. The status quo is antiquated, faltering with crisis talent shortages, and only projected to intensify further. Preserving the U.S.’s global standing and expanding democratic principles for equality are inseparably coupled with the plight of teachers. Reinvigorating the teaching profession requires decisive action to reorganize the ecosystem and professional opportunities for educators.

    Enticing growing pools of talent into the teaching profession involves establishing a vibrant academic structure and altering the perception of teacher value. My viewpoint is to start with teachers. The optimal approach for educational excellence is empowered teachers working in a tiered system for progressive leadership. Grounded in a supportive structure to earn increasing autonomy, teachers elevate their professional agency.

Details
Details
  • Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
    Pages: 220 • Trim: 6¼ x 9¼
    978-1-4758-7049-7 • Hardback • April 2023 • $90.00 • (£69.00)
    978-1-4758-7050-3 • Paperback • April 2023 • $35.00 • (£30.00)
    Subjects: Education / Philosophy, Theory & Social Aspects, Education / Aims & Objectives, Education / Educational Policy & Reform / General
Author
Author
  • Matthew Weber, PhD,has served as a teacher, principal, department director, district program evaluator, and deputy superintendent. After 41 years as a public-school educator, he retired as an idealist, believing in incorporating the most current knowledge from research and practice.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
  • Preface

    Acknowledgments

    1. Why Start with Teachers?
    2. Teachers as Professionals
    3. Authenticating Teacher Agency
    4. Embracing Research
    5. Meaningful Teacher Evaluations
    6. Teacher Pathways
    7. Master Teachers in Distinctive Roles
    8. Recasting Teacher Unions
    9. Reimagining Professional Learning
    10. Critical-Need Educators - Substitute Teachers and Paraprofessionals
    11. Critical-Need Teachers – Early Childhood, Special Education, and Bilingual
    12. Critical-Needs Secondary – Math, Science, and Computer Science
    13. Executing the Teacher Plan
    14. Financing for Stability

    Postlude: One Viewpoint in an Idea World

    Appendix A: Acronyms

    Bibliography

    Index

    About the Author

Reviews
Reviews
  • Elevating the Teaching Profession is timely and provides much insight into the reality that superintendents are grappling with as instructional leaders. Especially important is understanding why classroom teachers are leaving in massive numbers and why young adults are not willing to join the profession. Dr. Weber's book provides unique strategies and systems that, if implemented, will elevate the teaching profession to better recruit, onboard, and retain novice teachers.


    — Carol G. Perez, Superintendent of Schools, Mission Consolidated Independent School District, Texas


    Elevating the Teaching Profession: Cultivating Progressive Agency is a well-written asssessment of our educational landscape as it pertains to the high quality expectations for supporting a teacher pipeline. Additionally, this body of work speaks to potential solutions for addressing the challenges faced regarding high quality teacher recruitment and retention. I especially appreciate that this work has been created by a practitioner who has experienced the education system firsthand. Weber has presented this work from a practitioner's perspective while applying a theoretical lens to propose positive change. This is a truly informative body of work.


    — Marisa B. Perez-Diaz, Board Member, Texas State Board of Education


    Outstanding teachers are fundamental for national competitiveness academically, socially, and economically. Weber addresses the root causes for the escalating teacher shortages. He subsequently suggests pragmatic strategies and systems to elevate teachers’ status in society. Revamping the antiquated professional stereotypes with pathways leading to leadership roles is a viable plan for attracting and retaining teacher talent.


    — John Deasy, PhD, former superintendent; partner, Cambiar Education,


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