Great schools cannot exist without great teachers and principals. In fact, research is increasingly confirming that the quality of a teacher is the single most important factor in increasing student achievement. If Washington wants to ensure that each and every student graduates ready for college and the workplace, it must ensure that each and every public school classroom is staffed by a high-quality teacher.

By making fundamental changes in evaluations that incorporate multiple measures of student progress, searching for new avenues of recruitment, and evaluating teacher preparation institutions, Washington can take huge steps toward improving teacher quality. The status quo approach to developing an effective teacher and principal corps can no longer continue. Not only does the achievement of future generations depend on it, but prevailing political winds from Washington, D.C. demand that states change their practices so that all students receive the high-quality classroom instruction and school leadership that they deserve.

With the right policy initiatives in place, and appropriate implementation, Washington State has the opportunity to be at the forefront of the nation in growing teacher talent and ensuring high-quality instruction for every child.

To learn more, read our policy brief: The Impact of Effective Teachers and Principals