NEW YORK, NY (April 22, 2002) - The New York City affiliate of the Teachers Network Policy Institute, a national organization of teachers, proposes that the additional teacher time in the pending teacher contract be used exclusively for professional development. 

The research of the Policy Institute MetLife Fellows, together with scholars working in the field of education, has demonstrated that the most important element in student achievement is the quality of teaching. The research indicates that the most effective and expeditious way of improving the quality of teaching is to provide meaningful professional development. We specifically recommend that this professional development be ongoing and classroom based, that it be designed with teacher input, and that it address the needs of students. Our recommendations are based on four years of action research conducted by over one hundred of the finest teachers in New York City classrooms.

We applaud the United Federation of Teachers and Mayor Bloomberg in their efforts to ensure a contract that will benefit our students and teachers, who tirelessly work to ensure that each child receives a quality education. As they conclude contract negotiations, we hope that they will continue to put the interests of students first by dedicating this additional teacher time to professional development. 


About Teachers Network: Teachers Network is a non-profit national and international education organization, with more than 28 affiliates, that identifies and connects innovative teachers exemplifying professionalism and creativity within public school systems. Over 40,000 public school teachers have received Teachers Network grants and fellowships in the areas of curriculum, leadership, policy, and new media.

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