Defining the Problem

The Blind Spot in Policy, Reform, and Long-Term Planning

The Solution -- Elevating High-Expertise Teaching: the Missing Element in School Reform

School-based Processes for High Expertise Teaching

The Skillful Culture Builder

How to Make Decisions that Stay Made

To See into the Soul of a School, Visit Common Planning Time Teams (CPTs)

BILTs Building Instructional Leadership Teams – Charter and Operation

Crafting the Role of the Coach

District Based Processes for High Expertise Teaching

Where to Show Up and What to Do

Teacher Evaluation for Constant Learning

Supervising and Developing Principals

Leadership Skills for High Expertise Teaching

The Nature of Professional Knowledge

Leadership Preparation Programs

The Courage to Lead

Political Savvy and Mobilization

System Issues

High Expectations Teaching

Rigor and Curriculum Coherence

Ports of Call on a White Educator’s Journey to Culturally Proficient Instruction.

The missing element in 70 years of school reform is a surround-sound focus on High-Expertise Teaching. We could have it in any district, regardless of zip code, if we reengineered the twelve processes that impact teachers’ knowledge and skill. A handbook for action and a persuasive case for making every school a reliable engine of constant learning, this book outlines the actions necessary to ensure High-Expertise Teaching reaches more children, more of the time.

Informed by a substantial research base and decades of implementation, scholar-practitioner Jon Saphier presents the foundational elements of High-Expertise Teaching in this capstone work, along with

A comprehensive plan for effective implementation to scale
An assets-based approach to high expectations, culturally responsive teaching, and rigor
Templates for re-engineering school- and district-based processes
Guidance for leaders on honing their own skills to implement change
Excellent teaching is complex and demanding, with challenges beyond what any teacher-preparation program can cover. That’s why we must create a workplace environment that enables and prioritizes continuous professional learning about High-Expertise Teaching.