Investing in Teachers to Transform Schools

Dear Friends,

Inspired Teaching is delighted in the progress we continue to see at Orr Elementary. Turnaround stories in Washington, DC are few and far between. When they make it into the headlines they usually involve a school that has replaced all of its staff and started from scratch. Orr Elementary’s turnaround story is different. The school has seen remarkably low teacher turnover in the past five years and the experienced staff is challenging the theory that veteran teachers can’t change their practice.

For Principal Michelle Edwards the turnaround is all about creating an environment where teachers and students can realize their full potential.

When Michelle walked into Orr Elementary in Southeast DC in the fall of 2004 as a brand new principal, her arrival was greeted with uncertainty from a staff that had persevered through a string of short-term administrators. As she got to know her students and staff, Michelle identified goals for the school and started bringing in partners, including Inspired Teaching, to help meet them. Michelle wanted to raise student achievement and create a professional learning community—but in order to do that she knew she had to ensure a positive climate for teachers and students.

“The Inspired Teaching staff didn’t come in here trying to change everything about Orr, they came in trying to strengthen Orr,” says Michelle. Michelle credits Inspired Teaching with helping to foster a positive, more collaborative work environment. As a result, five years later, Orr’s test scores in reading and math have gone up. The school is part of a district-wide model-school learning community, and teachers within the building are active participants in daily site-based professional development.

Orr Elementary exemplifies the positive gains we have seen in our partner schools. Thank you for supporting our work with teachers at Orr and other partner schools throughout Washington, DC. I look forward to sharing more about Inspired Teaching with you in the coming year!

Sincerely, Aleta Margolis Executive Director

P.S. If you are in the Washington, DC area on February 26, please consider joining us for the 2009 Chocolate Inspiration! At this event, educators, funders, and supporters of quality education will come together to feast on the finest chocolate desserts and cocoa inspired beverages. You can learn more about the event at http://chocolate.inspiredteaching.org/