We all know that students are the future. They are our hope for a better tomorrow, and our responsibility is to ensure that they have the best possible education. But what many people don’t realize is that the quality of teaching is the single most important factor in determining student success.
This is a simple truth supported by evidence from achievement scores and teacher assessments worldwide. Echoed over and over by effective educational policymakers, an educational system is only as good as its teachers. Furthering this idea, the only way to ensure the highest levels of instruction in the classroom is to invest in teacher education and support.
The Relationship Between Teacher Quality and Student Success
There is a direct correlation between teacher quality and student success. Studies have shown time and time again that students who have high-quality teachers tend to perform better on standardized tests, have higher graduation rates, and are more likely to go on to college. One study found that students with just one high-quality teacher were more likely to graduate from college and earn higher salaries than their peers who did not have access to such teachers.
It makes sense when you think about it—if students receive quality instruction from qualified teachers, they are more likely to succeed. Conversely, if students are stuck in classrooms with poorly trained or ineffective teachers, they are less likely to reach their full potential. This is why it is so important for schools to invest in teacher education and support. By ensuring that teachers are well-prepared and supported in their work, we can ensure that students have the best possible chance for success.
Investing in Teacher Education and Support Pays Off
No doubt investing in teacher education and support pays off for students, schools, and society as a whole. When teachers are given the resources they need to be successful, they can provide their students with the high-quality instruction they need to succeed. And when students succeed, we all benefit.
