Boosting Educational Equity: Teacher Leaders’ Retention and Performance in Arizona's TAP System Districts

• In Event: Leading and Supporting Equity-Oriented Practices in Schools and Districts

Abstract

Teacher leaders enhance school improvement by building the school’s instructional capacity and fostering positive school culture. As such, retaining teacher leaders in their positions is crucial for sustaining the improvement effort. This study investigates teacher leader retention and performance in two high-need school districts implementing the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement (TAP System), a comprehensive educator effectiveness model that leverages teacher leaders to enhance teaching and learning. The findings reveal increased retention rates over the study period, with retained teacher leaders consistently maintaining their performance. This study underscores the importance of implementing policies and practices that support and retain teacher leaders, ultimately advancing the effectiveness and equity of educational systems.

Authors

• Handrea A. Logis, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Rhea Rong Ren, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Trevor Leutscher, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Tanee Hudgens, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Joshua H. Barnett, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching