The Key to Great Schools

Occasionally on this blog I will post responses on articles published in my favorite periodical, The Economist.  A recent article from the Nov 25 edition commented on education reform in England ("At the chalkface".  Michael Gove, the education secretary, has proposed more school independence to improve education in England, including public funding for schools opened by "teachers, parents, charities and states." This type of plan closely mirrors the current voucher program being debated in Douglas County right now, which is causing an uproar among many who cry violation of the first amendment for providing public funds for religious schools.  Regardless of the outcome of these plans, however, the real key to improving education lies not primarily in school choice, but in who is doing the teaching.


Gove wants to give teachers in state schools more autonomy from state restriction and to focus "the sprawl of the national curriculum, limiting it to certain core subjects." He also was to make "teaching more professional" by requiring trainees to spend more time in the classroom, requiring better degrees, and mandating more professional development. Yet, in my opinion, was the most fascinating part of the article came in the last paragraph:

"On November 29th a study by McKinsey, a consultancy, will show that countries with high-achieving pupils tend to have well-educated and enthusiastic teachers, who are also mostly free from state control."

 What is the key to building a really great school?  It's not having the best technology, the most active parents, or even having the most money, as good as these all are. The research is in: great schools have great teachers. And great teachers generally are free from much bureaucratic control, are bright themselves, and are exude and enthusiasm for teaching. Teach for America was built on the idea that a movement of great teachers could radically change the American Educational System.

For those in school leadership, and especially for those in the Christian movement, the lesson cannot be ignored. Hire great teachers and you'll get a great school.  Redeeming education starts where education happens: between teacher and pupil.