Team Teaching Revolutionizes Education in Michigan Schools

Strategic Insights -

The small rural school district of Concord Elementary in Jackson County is one of two schools in Michigan starting its second year of a team teaching pilot, moving away from the traditional "one teacher, one room" model. The pilot has been a resounding success, with teachers reporting improved collaboration, reduced teacher burnout, and deeper learning for students. At the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, team teaching has helped the staff focus on their strengths, assigning each of its teachers in kindergarten and second grade to a specific group of students for their phonics work.

Key Takeaways:

  • The team teaching model has been implemented in two schools in Michigan, Concord Elementary and the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, with a focus on reducing teacher burnout and increasing collaboration.
  • Teachers in team teaching models report feeling more supported by their colleagues, with improved collaboration and reduced stress levels.
  • The model has shown early signs of success, with improved student outcomes in math and reading, as well as increased teacher retention and student engagement.
  • At Concord Elementary, team teaching has helped teachers lean into their strengths, while allowing them more planning time and collaboration with members of their teams.
  • The Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences has seen improved scores in math for second graders who were part of the pilot this past fall, with Chief Academic Officer Monica McLeod attributing the success to the team teaching model.

Statistics:

  • 100 miles: the distance between the small rural school district of Concord Elementary in Jackson County and the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences in downtown Detroit.
  • 617 students: the total number of students in the Concord Elementary school district.
  • 120 teachers: the total number of teachers in the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences.
  • 22 years: the amount of time teacher Brianne Sinden has been teaching, prior to implementing team teaching in her school.
  • 90% improvement: the reported improvement in math scores for second graders at the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences after implementing team teaching.
  • 10 schools: the number of schools implementing team teaching models in Michigan, with several more districts planning to debut the staffing models this fall.
  • $100 million: the amount of funding provided to the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative to support teacher retention and recruitment efforts.

Sources:

  • The 74 (https://www.the74million.org)
  • The Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (https://www.miedworkforce.org/)
  • Arizona State University's Next Education Workforce (https://workforce.education.asu.edu/)
  • Concord Elementary School District (https://www.concordschool.org/)
  • Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences (https://www.daascharterschool.org/)