Teaching in Pennsylvania faces a critical juncture, according to a new report. Educator attrition is rising, disproportionately impacting urban and rural districts, and teachers report feeling burnt out, and underprepared.
A New Approach to Staffing
Researchers propose a radical reimagining of Pennsylvania’s teaching model, shifting away from the traditional one-teacher-per-classroom approach. This “strategic staffing” model, as it’s called, envisions small teams of educators and support staff collaborating on lesson planning, feedback, and professional growth.
Under this model, new teachers would receive mentorship, experienced teachers would be recognized and compensated, and paraprofessionals and tutors would focus on supporting struggling students. A team of six educators could potentially share responsibility for 100 students, guided by a “lead teacher.”
Addressing Inequities
The report highlights that new teachers often receive the most challenging assignments, and that Black or Hispanic students and those from low-income families are less likely to be taught by experienced, qualified teachers. Trey Smith, a teacher at Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy in Philadelphia and a report author, emphasized the necessitate to “maximize the talent we have” and avoid treating teachers “like widgets or cogs in a considerable machine.”
Smith noted that a lack of collaborative planning time is a significant issue, as he is often pulled away for coverage duties. Jill Weller-Reilly, another report co-author, stated that supporting teacher growth is essential for retention.
Potential Roadblocks and Next Steps
According to Teach Plus polling from 2025, 70% of educators nationwide expressed interest in adopting a similar approach. Pennsylvania’s local control system could facilitate implementation, but union negotiations and limited resources may present challenges. Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg indicated openness to exploring innovative resource allocation.
Implementing these changes would require upfront investment, and the report’s authors suggest establishing a state grant program and evaluating the effectiveness of the new models, potentially by looking at North Carolina’s Advanced Teaching Roles program, which costs approximately $16.5 million annually in 17 districts. But, the report also acknowledges that Pennsylvania schools have a history of adopting and then abandoning innovative programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “strategic staffing”?
“Strategic staffing” is a proposed shift from a traditional one-teacher-per-classroom model to a collaborative approach where small teams of educators and support staff work together to plan lessons, provide feedback, and support student learning.
What challenges does the report identify in Pennsylvania’s current teaching system?
The report identifies rising educator attrition, disproportionate turnover in urban and rural districts, and feelings of burnout among teachers as key challenges.
What is Teach Plus advocating for?
Teach Plus is advocating for state lawmakers to establish a grant program and a way to evaluate the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s programs alongside similar models like North Carolina’s Advanced Teaching Roles program.
Given these proposed changes, how might Pennsylvania schools adapt to better support both teachers and students in the years to come?
