Question 1:

Last year’s Forum participants identified several possible purposes for Tier 3. Tier 3 might. . .
• Recognize teaching excellence.
• Recognize teachers who perform leadership roles in the school/division.
• Certify that a teacher has advanced knowledge and skills to perform leadership roles.
• License a teacher to perform specific leadership roles.

Which of these purposes best captures your view of Tier 3? Please explain.

Question 2:

Virginia has honored teaching excellence through the Teacher of the Year and Milken Educators programs. The state also provides salary supplements for teachers who have advanced knowledge and skills as certified by the National Board on Professional Teaching Standards. Given these established recognition programs, does the state need to recognize excellence through its licensure system? Please explain.

Question 3:

Teachers assume many leadership roles within their schools/divisions. Which roles require specific criteria that should lead to licensure or certification? Please elaborate.

Question 4:

Some teachers have expressed concern that terms like “master teacher” or “teacher leader” imply a hierarchy and could be used to reduce the significance of holding a Career Teacher license. One solution might be to certify teachers to assume specific roles such as “mentor teacher,” or “content specialist.” What are your thoughts on this approach to the third tier?

Question 5:

How should compensation be tied to Tier 3?

Question 6:

Suppose you had one minute to talk to the Governor about the Tier 3 license. What would you say?