Translating a national policy framework into state action: a roadmap for teacher pathways

Over the last decade, DFI has partnered with educator-preparation programs (EPPs) across more than 40 U.S. states. We have seen evidence of effective programmatic and instructional practices, engaged deeply with leaders who are driving transformative change and navigating evolving realities of PK-12 classrooms, and studied and directly engaged with policy implementation that surfaced positives and challenges. These learnings informed Pathways that Deliver, which we released earlier this fall.

As the next phase of this effort, we are producing action guides in partnership with EPPs and advocacy organizations tailored to state-specific contexts to ensure that our policy recommendations translate to realistic practices on the ground.

Today, DFI, in partnership with the 11 EPP leaders in our Tennessee Ed Prep Impact Coalition, is releasing the first of our individualized state action guides. Pathways that Deliver: An Action Guide for Tennessee Leaders translates deep practice insights into concrete, responsive recommendations for philanthropic and policy leaders in Tennessee. It is the first in a multi-state series that reflects DFI’s commitment to partnering deeply with states to design teacher preparation policies that match their unique contexts and goals.

Tennessee: a growing national leader with room for bigger bets

Tennessee’s recent gains on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show what’s possible when a state invests in a coherent support system for both PK-12 schools and teacher preparation. The most recent 2024 NAEP scores demonstrate strong academic improvements across math and reading across grade levels, outpacing national trends.

These results illuminate the state’s prominent role in the “Southern surge,” a wave of states in the southern U.S. demonstrating the role of policy in overcoming historic challenges to drive meaningful academic progress. Some bright spots include:

• EPPs and PK-12 partnering on a shared vision for literacy instruction and establishing mentor support experiences together
• The TN ALL Corps program mobilizing aspiring teachers as high-impact tutors to support student learning while simultaneously strengthening future teachers’ instructional skills
• The state identifying use of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) as a priority for training novice teachers and making critical investments in EPPs

But there is room for growth. Tennessee continues to grapple with ongoing educator workforce challenges. EPPs are unable to attract a consistent pipeline of aspiring teachers, which contributes to shortages of high-quality teachers in specific content areas and geographies. New teachers report uneven access to the high-quality, practice-based preparation experiences that research shows matter most.

Tennessee needs a clear, actionable roadmap to strengthen educator preparation and bridge it to long-term student academic growth. Our Action Guide for Tennessee Leaders serves this purpose, with key policy recommendations to make these actions a reality, including:

1. Making mentoring and induction a core experience for all new teachers by establishing statewide standards, funding mentorship grants, and recognizing mentor teachers.
2. Elevating the value of teacher preparation through data transparency, scholarships, and recognition for high-quality educator-preparation programs.
3. Streamlining education and workforce funding to reduce red tape and expand local flexibility.
4. Strengthening partnerships between educator-preparation programs and PK-12 schools, ensuring alignment on high-quality instructional materials and clinical experiences.
5. Expanding supports for teachers’ long-term stability, including homebuyer assistance programs for educators.

Download the Action Guide

A model for other states

DFI developed this action guide through a series of input sessions with EPP leaders who represent the wide range of pathways across the state. Combined, they prepare nearly half of Tennessee’s future educators. Our work with nearly 300 EPPs over the last decade also has surfaced nuanced challenges that we envision this action guide can help to address.

Over the next months to year, we will be producing action guides for other states, following the same set of core principles anchored in responsive and sustainable improvement in teacher preparation:

• Co-creation with state partners, PK-12 districts, and EPPs
• Careful attention to context and political landscape
• Practical, immediately-actionable recommendations

As states look to strengthen their educator preparation systems, we hope these resources can bridge aspirations to a realistic set of solutions.

Learn more

Contact us if you or your state are ready to translate practice into actionable policy that strengthens the teacher workforce so that all students receive rigorous, affirming instruction. Use the form below or reach out to Geoff Carlisle, Policy Manager, at gcarlisle@deansforimpact.org.