What’s next for ELP in 2022
When we first began talking to educators, Locals and Districts about our idea for Educators Leading the Profession (ELP), we kept hearing the same thing: There has to be a better way.
We must do more to support New Teachers, advance the profession, help school districts address issues with retention, and enrich student learning.
This year, we were thrilled to successfully launch the ELP pilot, and we are looking forward to another year of milestones in 2022.
Our accomplishments in 2021
This year will always be a momentous one for us, as we finally put our idea into practice and began delivering much-needed support to New Teachers.
Closing the ELP participant group and launching our pilot test were two major milestones for us. Both milestones involved multiple moving parts (and sometimes it felt like the parts wouldn’t stop moving!).
We had ambitious goals, and we are pleased that we met them:
Engage a diverse group of Locals/Districts in seven states in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Ohio)
Support Locals/Districts as they recruited New Teachers to participate in the pilot and experienced teachers to serve as Building Mentors to New Teachers
Select and define Virtual Instructional Coaches to work with New Teachers in their specific content area and grade level
Conduct orientation sessions for New Teachers, Building Mentors, and matched Virtual Instructional Coaches
Hold training sessions for Virtual Instructional Coaches, Building Mentors, and New Teachers
The pilot launched with a fantastic group of more than 70 New Teachers, more than 40 Virtual Instructional Coaches, and 23 Building Mentors. The initial reactions of all teachers involved has been positive, and support from Locals and Districts has been wonderful.
What’s next in 2022
Once the pilot launched, we were able to focus our attention on what lies ahead. Our goals for 2022 build on the solid foundation we’ve put in place:
Consolidate support for New Teachers
We’ll continue to listen deeply to teacher participants, because they are at the heart of this experiment and have answers to improve professional support for New Teachers. We’ll also work to build even stronger relationships among New Teachers, Virtual Instructional Coaches and Building Mentors.
Measure success
From the beginning, one of our goals was to measure specific actions and outcomes to evaluate if the ELP program is having an impact on New Teachers’ professional development, success and retention. We’re working with a national research firm to help us, and we’ll continue to assess the success of the ELP pilot program.
Form new partnerships
We’ll seek out new partnerships from the philanthropic, higher education and for profit sectors to collaborate and learn with us. Adding these partners will bring additional expertise and perspective, resulting in more and deeper learning. We’ll also identify and add leaders in each Local to act as champions of the ELP program.
Focus on fundraising
Fundraising is a byproduct of building relationships and then partnerships. State affiliates have funded the start of this pilot test but we need additional funders to continue it. As we expand partnerships, we will find individuals and institutions that want to invest in continuing this learning together.
Expand the program
Our expansion strategy will depend on funding results, validation of theories of change and interest of New Teachers, Locals and Districts. We are currently studying the possibility of opening applications for the next school year. We’ll share updates on our website and through ELP liaisons in each participating state affiliate.
Final thoughts from us
Teachers, please know you are not alone. The seven state affiliates and Educators Leading the Profession are listening and hearing you. Through this pilot test, we are taking action together to solve the most difficult problems and seize opportunities for continuous improvement in order to bring joy to teaching and learning.
Innovation requires commitment and collaboration. We are counting on your partnership to offer an excellent support model that benefits all stakeholders, but especially our New Teachers. We look forward to continuing this important work with you in 2022 and beyond.