IMAGINE: the best schools in the world for every student in Delaware.

Develop and Support High-Quality Teachers

1. Why should I, as a teacher, support the plan?
2. How is this new career path different from what we already have now?
3. What is the role of paraprofessionals in Vision 2015?
4. What is the Delaware State Education Association's position on Vision 2015?

1. Why should I, as a teacher, support the plan?
   Vision 2015 recognizes that good teaching is the most important in-school factor in student success. That's why the plan proposes more competitive salaries, more authority for those closest to the students (especially principals and their leadership teams), professional development geared toward classroom effectiveness, fairer evaluations and a career path that helps teachers advance without leaving the classroom. Those who are effective should be rewarded. Those who need extra help should get it. The plan also provides the kind of additional support teachers and paraprofessionals say they need, such as parent involvement and early childhood education.
   
   Vision 2015 also proposes an improved statewide assessment system that would monitor individual student gains over the year (fall to spring) so that teachers know how their individual students are performing and can adjust their teaching methods to those needs. We want tests to be periodic "check-ups" — not year-end "autopsies" — so that teachers, principals and parents have the information they need to help their students succeed every day.


2. How is this new career path different from what we have now?
   Vision 2015's career path would help teachers advance professionally — with appropriate compensation — as they gain skills and demonstrate effectiveness in the classroom. Current practice places the greatest emphasis on seniority and professional degrees.


3. What is the role of paraprofessionals in Vision 2015?
   Improving what happens between educators—whether teachers or paraprofessionals—and students is the centerpiece of Vision 2015. Our goal is to help ensure that the kind of great instruction that now occurs in many Delaware schools and classrooms extends to all Delaware schools and classrooms. Those closest to the student, including paraprofessionals, should get the training and support they need to help their students succeed.


4. What is the Delaware State Education Association's position on Vision 2015?
   The DSEA fully supports the vision, and supports many of the plan's recommendations, specifically those that create a good working environment for our teachers, paraprofessionals and other school staff. As it has been for the past year, DSEA continues to help shape Vision 2015, participating as a member of the Vision 2015 Implementation Team.