School Leaders’ Perceptions About Incompetent Teachers

Abstract

This study explored Wyoming school leaders’ perceptions about the traits of incompetent teachers, strategies used to work with incompetent teachers, and the barriers to their dismissal. Most importantly, this study differentiated how principals and superintendents viewed incompetency issues. Some major findings include school leaders’ beliefs that classroom management problems were an indicator of incompetence, counseling to leave the profession was a strategy used with incompetent teachers, and teacher unions were a barrier to their dismissal.

Teacher perceptions of change : an evaluation of the network for educator effectiveness system

“…Public schools are being examined, and the people they serve are calling for improvement (Tucker & Stronge, 2005). One area that can be agreed upon is the importance of teacher quality in improvement efforts (Corcoran, 2007;McQuarrie & Wood, 1991;Owings, Kaplan, Nunnery, Marzano, Myran, & Blackburn, 2006;Range, Duncan, Scherz, & Haines, 2012).…”

“…Research has shown evidence that the quality of teachers has decreased steadily over time, while nearly all modern research claims teacher effectiveness to be among the most effective strategy schools have to improve student achievement (Corcoran, 2007;McQuarrie & Wood, 1991;Owings et al, 2006;Range et al, 2012). Goe (2007) also supported this stance by stating that teacher quality matters a great deal in regard to student learning.…”

“…Data are then used to summatively evaluate teachers. The primary purpose of evaluation is to provide evidence for retention or non-retention and to ensure teachers are held to common, rigorous standards (Range et al, 2012).…”

“…School leaders need to be trained in how to provide feedback that investigates instructional change and how to implement improvement plans for struggling teachers (Range et al, 2012). Waring (2013)…”

“…Intensive PD programs have the power to increase the knowledge base of teachers and improve their instructional strategies (Borko, 2004). According to Range et al (2012), the most common strategy used with incompetent teachers is attempting remediation through PD plans that address areas needing improvement. These PD plans target specific skills identified by the teacher and principal as deficiencies and work towards remediation of the problem area.…”