Want Better Teachers? Get Better Principals

By Dr. James Hickey

Want Better Teachers? Get Better Principals

Recently, education researcher John Chubb published a book which claims that low teacher quality is the source of America’s low achievement. He outlined three major areas for improvement: academic success in teaching candidates, better on-the-job-training, and more supportive school leadership. Dr. James Hickey, the award-winning former principal of Old Bridge High School, agrees strongly on the third point.

Want Better Teachers? Get Better Principals

In his experiences turning around Old Bridge High School, Dr. Hickey found that changing the school culture improved his teachers’ abilities in the classroom. “Not because they became new people,” he explained, “but because they knew that the school leadership shared their goals for the student body.”

Want Better Teachers? Get Better Principals

Dr. Hickey also found that improved school discipline reduced teacher turnover. A former teacher himself, he explained that most teachers want to educate their students and increase achievement. However, when they’re faced with a chaotic environment in which all their energy must be focused on discipline, teachers can’t put their best efforts into teaching.

Want Better Teachers? Get Better Principals

Dr. Hickey does not agree with all of Mr. Chubb’s arguments. He believes that, with proper support, our current teachers have the knowledge and skills necessary to increase achievement. However, he sees a need for greater parental and community buy-in. “When all of the adults in a child’s life send him the message that education is important,” Dr. James Hickey notes, “he’ll work hard and thrive in the school environment. We all need to work together to improve achievement, especially among our at-risk youth.”