WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today gave remarks at a panel discussion to explore how teacher leadership can improve instruction, elevate the teaching profession and raise student achievement. The bipartisan event, presented by Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, is the third in a series on innovations in education. Among the panelists at the event was Chris Coffelt, superintendent of the Central Decatur School District in south central Iowa.
“Teacher leadership programs are an innovative approach to improve instruction in schools. They provide an opportunity for experienced teachers to continue to grow professionally, an important factor in retaining good teachers,” Grassley said. “Iowa is a national leader in teacher leadership programs, and I believe the state can be a model for others to follow.”
Last year, Grassley joined Coons, along with Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, in introducing the Teachers Are Leaders Act, legislation to create partnerships between colleges and high-need schools to develop and support innovative teacher leader roles.
You can view a photo from today’s event here.
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