What We Do
Teachers21 is a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping the profession of teaching. Our vision is that all students will have knowledgeable educators who believe in them and work in schools with strong cultures of professional practice.
In 1993, Jon Saphier, author of “The Skillful Teacher” and nationally recognized educator, founded Teachers21. Drawing on a commitment to the knowledge base on teaching that it shares with its partner organization, Research for Better Teaching (RBT), Teachers21 has established itself as the premier education reform non-profit in Massachusetts and the region.
Both Jon Saphier and President Susan Freedman have over 25 years of experience as teachers and administrators and working directly inside public schools as staff developers. Teachers21 has established credibility and close working relationships with educational leaders throughout the country and particularly with the professional education and business associations in Massachusetts.
Professional Development
Teachers21 works with over 250 school districts to directly support teachers and administrators as they continuously strengthen their knowledge and skills. We also provide strategic planning, consultation, and coaching to support the ability of school districts to engage in systemic school improvement.
In addition, we are proud to partner with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and local districts to offer free graduate-level summer institutes designed to enrich teachers' content knowledge and skills.
Leadership Licensure Program
The Leadership Licensure Programs provide innovative preparation for candidates seeking superintendent/assistant superintendent, principal/assistant principal, supervisor/director, and special education administrator licenses. The programs are coordinated with the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association and the Massachusetts Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the READS Collaborative. The Special Education Leadership Licensure Program is hosted by the Assabet Valley Collaborative.
Beginning Teacher Center
In collaboration with Simmons College, Teachers21 has established the Beginning Teacher Center to: 1) Encourage all school districts to understand, implement, and evaluate the comprehensive model of beginning teacher and administrator induction;2) Create a seamless continuum through teacher and administrator preparation and the first three years of practice; and 3) Become a national force that moves the American education establishment to devote attention and resources to the induction of beginning teachers and administrators.
The Beginning Teacher Center sponsored a national conference on new teacher induction in March 2007.
Public Policy & Public Discourse
Teachers21 collaborates with educators, corporations, and governmental agencies to engage the public in critical dialogue on the important role of educator expertise in student learning. The organization is currently spearheading a broad-based coalition of legislators, K-12 and higher education practitioners, and the business community to develop a systemic approach to strengthening educator quality.
The bill, “An Act to Ensure Educator Excellence,” will provide standards, supports, and accountability for teachers and administrators by ensuring that all educators have access and are accountable to the common core of professional knowledge on teaching and leading, beginning with their preparation experiences, continuing throughout their induction, and extending throughout their careers.
Research, Program Development, and Dissemination
Teachers21 contributes to the knowledge base on K-12 teaching and leading through the development of innovative Learning Laboratories that seek to strengthen the single greatest variables in student achievement: teacher and leader expertise. Innovative models for change are piloted with a partner district or organization. Current Learning Labs include the Urban District Improvement Model, Secondary School Redesign, Comprehensive Induction, and Leadership Coaching.
Teachers21 is a 501(c)(3) organization.