GCS Takes Big Step to Raise Student Performance

Talent Transfer Initiative Brings High-Performing Teachers to Under-Achieving Schools

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 1/30/2009 4:12:06 PM

Research suggests that teacher quality is key to boosting student achievement and that attracting high-performing teachers to under-achieving schools is a challenge nationwide, particularly in urban settings. To this end, Guilford County Schools (GCS) is implementing a new initiative to attract high-performing teachers to the district schools that need them the most.

The Talent Transfer Initiative will offer high-performing teachers monetary incentives to work for two years in under-achieving schools. The Guilford County Board of Education approved the initiative in December, and implementation is now under way for the 2009-10 school year.

The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and will be operated with support from Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR), a public policy research organization with extensive experience evaluating education issues. GCS is one of several school districts from around the country participating in the program. It will cost the district nothing to participate, and administrative costs associated with the initiative will be reimbursed.

With the help of MPR, the district will use End-of-Grade and End-of-Course test results to identify eligible schools and teachers. Eligible schools will have low test scores and a staff vacancy in a tested grade and subject. Teachers at participating schools will not be displaced by the program – existing vacancies will be filled. Eligible teachers, who have at least three years of experience contributing to their students’ high test scores, will be invited to apply in the coming months.

Selected teachers who agree to transfer to participating schools will receive a stipend of $10,000 a year for up to two years. Those who already teach at participating under-achieving schools will receive a stipend of $5,000 a year for two years. Teachers also will receive training and support from The New Teacher Project, a national non-profit that works closely with MPR.

“Like many districts around the country, GCS faces the challenge of recruiting and retaining excellent teachers,” said Dr. Peggy Thompson, chief human resources officer. “This initiative will help us reach our goal of achieving education excellence for all students.”

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.