The Answer - A blog about Education, Preparation, and Commitment.

How YES Prep is like Korea, Singapore and Finland

March 30, 2011 by Nella Garcia

Last week, the New York Times ran an article entitled, “U.S. Urged to Raise Teachers’ Status.” The article focused on a new report that compares educational systems across the globe. It highlights three defining characteristics of Korea, Singapore and Finland in their successful efforts of how they educate students. They recruit only high-performing college graduates for teaching positions, support them with mentoring and other help in the classroom, and take steps to raise respect for the profession. After reading this, I could not help but feel excited about the work YES Prep is doing to ensure we are elevating the teaching profession in our work. How is YES Prep similar to these education powerhouse nations?

1. Countries that are high performing recruit only high- performing college graduates for teaching positions. At YES Prep, we are looking for driven, successful individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure our students are prepared for success in college. The art of teaching is intricate, challenging, and requires creative minds with the ability to engage students and propel them towards academic success. Check out our post on what we are looking for in a great teacher.

2. The idea of mentoring teachers and providing them with classroom support is not a new one for YES Prep. For the past 7 years, the Teaching Excellence Program has provided high impact instructional coaching in order to ensure that novice teachers are set up for success in their classrooms. Teachers are observed frequently by their coaches, receive feedback around strengths and areas for growth and are given the individualized tools necessary to grow. Additionally, we have built our instructional leadership and content teams to support teachers beyond their first years. Content leadership provides guidance around the curriculum. Instructional leadership on the campus level guides professional learning in a way that fosters collaboration and cohesion.

3. Finally, these high flyers are taking steps to raise respect for the profession. The blogpost by Jennifer Hines highlights our recent work in changing the way in which we compensate teachers. By honoring their work in the classroom, we are elevating the teaching profession. The article refers to teachers in South Korea as “nation builders.” At YES Prep, we are in the business of building students as leaders of a global community.

Unfortunately, we are only one system of schools, in one city, in one state. While we will do our part to change the status quo, others need to make an effort to ensure that teaching is a respected and honored profession. The work of an EFFECTIVE educator requires a talent that must be fostered and developed.

I have had my fair share of experiences where others have referred to me as “just a teacher.” I have engaged in conversations with peers where it is evident they value medicine, law or business as professions for smarter, more talented individuals. A less mature version of myself used to get offended and display my disbelief at how other educated individuals could even maintain such viewpoints. Today, I question the origin of those mindsets and I further affirm myself in our mission to change not only the opportunities for students in this city, but also for teachers.

What do YOU think needs to change in order for us to elevate teaching as a profession?
 

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