If Student Success Depends on Teachers, Why is the Hiring, Selection, and Orientation Process so Simplistic? (Volume 1, Episode 2)

Angela and Davey discuss the process whereby districts and schools recruit and hire new teachers, and then introduce and orient them to their new school and responsibilities. Much of their discussion is based on a blog post from Dr. Howie Knoff, President of Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. Your Hosts examines the shortcomings of current teacher recruitment, training, and evaluation methods, in the context of the fortieth anniversary of the "A Nation at Risk" report. Highlighting the continuing need for school improvement they analyze Dr. Howie's belief that districts' current staffing and personnel systems are ineffective. He proposes a four-pillar approach focusing on hiring, induction, continued coaching, and leadership development. Angela and Davey discuss Dr. Howie's advocacy for a more rigorous teacher selection process, using his analogy of what happens in universities' graduate program admissions processes to illustrate a more effective interview approach. Finally, the discussion emphasizes the importance of a thorough teacher orientation program to ensure a smooth transition and successful integration into the school environment.