The U.S. Department of Education has issued new guidance to states and school districts highlighting how existing federal education funds can be used more flexibly to support innovative approaches in teacher workforce management. The announcement, sent today, focuses on the use of Title II, Part A funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to implement strategies such as strategic staffing models.
Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Kirsten Baesler stated, “Strategic staffing is an innovative solution for implementing thoughtful designs to improve academic achievement. By rethinking the traditional teacher-classroom design, we can empower teachers through new flexibilities and greater specialization to help students reach their full potential. These models also give teachers the ability to grow in their role, responsibilities, and compensation without leaving the classroom.”
Strategic staffing refers to a team-based approach where two or more professional educators share responsibility for a group of students during specific times in the school day. This model moves away from the traditional one-teacher-per-classroom structure.
The Department's guidance outlines several ways that Title II funds can be used by states and districts to support these strategies. Options include creating differentiated roles with additional compensation for teachers who take on leadership or coaching responsibilities; providing structured mentoring programs for new educators; developing teacher pipelines through residencies or apprenticeship initiatives; facilitating ongoing professional learning and collaboration among staff; and supporting development programs for school leaders.
Additionally, schools operating under schoolwide programs may use Title I funds for similar activities. More information about these program flexibilities is available on the Department’s website.
The full Dear Colleague Letter detailing these recommendations can be accessed online.
