Rodel Exemplary Teacher

One of the few things in education about which there is unanimity is the need for and value of a highly effective teacher in every classroom. Rodel created the Exemplary Teacher Initiative to address the shortage of effective teachers in Arizona’s neediest schools.

The first step was to identify teachers with a track record of extraordinary student achievement in high-needs schools. The selected teachers committed to supervise and mentor a cohort of student teachers. Pairing an excellent teacher with high-potential student teachers produced teacher candidates who were prepared for the rigors of the first years of teaching in a high-needs school: they had the critical support of a mentor who provided excellent models and practical strategies for increasing student achievement.

They had the critical support of a mentor…

A key component of this initiative was the recognition given to each exemplary teacher. Every year the candidates selected were announced in the press. Schools typically held a celebratory event on campus attended by Rodel leaders who brought recognition items for the students in the teacher’s class. In addition, Rodel hosted an annual banquet at which the teachers were honored and celebrated. School leaders, elected officials, governing board members and business partners attended and participated in recognizing the achievements of the individuals as well as the importance of the profession.

The gold standard for demonstrating teacher appreciation…and enhancing the status of educators.

The event became the gold standard for demonstrating teacher appreciation, improving the image of teaching, and enhancing the status of educators. It was an intentional strategy aimed to address one of the major causes of teacher attrition – insufficient recognition and reward. The acknowledgment and appreciation provided motivation not only for the teachers being recognized but also for others trying to improve student outcomes.

Feeling supported was essential to ensure success as new teachers navigated the inevitable challenges of being in a classroom.

The initiative created a pipeline of excellent teachers for schools that had a particularly hard time attracting and retaining teachers. Rodel provided a financial incentive for program graduates who chose to teach in high-need schools for at least three years. During those years, Rodel provided professional development and the opportunity to collaborate with other program participants. Feeling supported was essential to ensure success as new teachers navigated the inevitable challenges of being in a classroom.