Louisiana is taking significant steps to improve the working conditions of its teachers through a series of recommendations aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and classroom distractions, according to this news release from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, together with Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kylie Altier, recently unveiled the “Let Teachers Teach” initiative. This initiative, born from extensive consultations with educators across the state, promises to empower teachers by streamlining their responsibilities and enhancing their professional autonomy.

The “Let Teachers Teach” workgroup, composed of over two dozen educators from various regions of Louisiana, was tasked with identifying common classroom disruptions and unnecessary bureaucratic practices. Their mission was to develop practical solutions that would allow teachers to focus on what they do best – teaching students. These recommendations are seen as crucial in fostering a supportive environment for teachers, thereby indirectly benefiting the students.

Dr. Brumley emphasized that the primary goal of the workgroup was to enhance the professional experience of classroom educators. He expressed confidence that the recommendations would support teachers while maintaining a strong focus on student outcomes. He also declared his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by teachers,whether it be excessive training or disruptive student behavior, ensuring that educators are empowered to succeed every day.

Governor Landry echoed Dr. Brumley’s sentiments, highlighting the failures of an education system that restricts educators and impedes their ability to teach effectively. He expressed gratitude to the teachers who contributed to the workgroup, stating that their recommendations would serve as a prototype for improving the education system. According to Landry, these changes will create an environment where teachers, parents, and students can take pride in their schools and achieve success.

Kylie Altier, who chaired the workgroup, expressed her honor in collaborating with passionate educators across the state. She emphasized that the recommendations were designed to give teachers more time to focus on their students, recognizing their expertise and ensuring their voices are heard.

The recommendations cover six main areas: professional learning, required training, student behavior and discipline, non-academic responsibilities, curriculum and instruction, and planning. Each area includes specific action steps, some of which need to be addressed at the school or school system level, while others require state intervention.

Key Recommendations and Action Steps

Professional Learning

• Tailor professional growth plans.
• Make collaboration meetings worthwhile.
• Ensure ample time for classroom preparation.

Required Trainings

• Shift legislatively-mandated trainings to a cycle.
• Enact pre-test exemptions from required trainings.

Student Behavior and Discipline

• Decouple student behavior and the school accountability system.
• Trust us — don’t blame us.
• Place ungovernable students at alternative sites for behavior support.
• Address challenges of chronic absenteeism.
• Limit cell phone use.

Non-Academic Responsibilities

• Support student mental health challenges through trained professionals.
• Stop forcing teachers to be mental health professionals.
• Pay teachers for additional, non-academic work.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Eliminate the mandate to read verbatim from teaching manuals, excluding direct instruction.
• Create a repository of high-quality, easy-to-access teacher resources.
• Provide scheduling, pacing, and implementation guidance for core content areas.

Planning

• Effective teachers should have professional autonomy in their classrooms.
• Abolish antiquated lesson planning requirements.

The “Let Teachers Teach” initiative is a bold and necessary step towards improving the educational landscape in Louisiana. By addressing the key issues that hinder teachers’ ability to focus on teaching, the recommendations aim to restore the art of teaching and create an environment conducive to learning. These changes promise to benefit not only the teachers but also the students and the entire education system.

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