Benefits for Teachers and Educators
Vision 2015 demonstrates an unprecedented commitment to provide a world-class education to every Delaware student. Specifically, as a teacher, you can expect:
More in-class assistance from expert coaches, mentors and master teachers so that your professional development is more relevant, timely and aligned to the state's academic standards.
A career path that lets you advance without leaving the classroom, with increased pay and opportunities for taking on such as roles as mentor and master teacher.
A straightforward evaluation process, based on clear standards, that provides you with specific feedback aimed at helping you grow and develop as a teacher.
Professional development centers that help you share and compare best practices with your peers.
A single statewide teacher salary structure to reduce pay inequities among districts, coupled with incentives if you want to teach high-need subjects or in high-need schools, and bonuses for outstanding school performance.
A simpler and fairer funding system, which provides resources to each school based on the needs of its individual students, enabling you to meet the needs of each and every student.
Clear learning standards so that you know exactly what you are expected to teach and your students know exactly what they are expected to learn, in every grade, in every subject. And a wider array of curriculum tools (model lessons, diagnostic assessments, pacing guides, etc.) that will help you teach to these standards.
Expanded and higher-quality early childhood education programs so that more children come to school fully prepared to learn.
Stronger parent/family involvement programs and business/community partnerships to provide helpful support to your work in the classroom.
Faster, more extensive and more user-friendly access to diagnostic information about how your students are performing.
Local principals who have been trained to work more closely with teachers and others to customize the school's program to the needs of the students.
All together, more tools to help you help your students succeed...both in your classroom and, ultimately, in life.
Everything will not happen in year one. This is a long-term plan that will take years to fully implement. But by 2015, we hope all of these benefits will be in place all across the state.
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But under Vision 2015, there's no "free lunch." You will be more accountable for continuously improving your instruction. You will need to work closely with colleagues, principals, families and students to help all students succeed. No exceptions, no excuses.