The T3 Initiative in Greater Boston – a partnership between Teach Plus, the Boston Public Schools, and Fall River Public Schools – is among the first efforts nationally to place effective, experienced teachers at the center of school turnaround efforts. The T3 Initiative launched in the 2010-11 school year in three schools in Boston, supporting a key piece of Superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson’s Acceleration Agenda for the Boston Public Schools: an intense focus on chronically low-performing schools. These schools receive intensive support and innovative strategies to enable them to significantly raise student outcomes. In 2010, the first cohort of T3 teachers leaders were hired to help transform three of these schools (Blackstone Elementary, Orchard Gardens K-8 and Trotter Elementary).  The T3 teacher leaders were selected for their effectiveness with urban students and trained in a cohort to meet the challenges of a turnaround environment. The second cohort, consisting of two new teams of teacher leaders, was hired in 2011 to work at Roger Clap Innovation School and Dearborn Middle School. For the 2012-13 year, T3 expanded its partnership to three additional BPS schools (Mario Umana Academy, John P. Holland Elementary, and Sarah Greenwood K-8), and adds the Mattahunt Elementary School for 2013-2014. T3 is also partnering with Fall River Public Schools for the 2012-13 school year, and will place T3 teacher leaders in two FRPS schools (Carlton Viveiros Elementary School and Henry Lord Middle School).

The T3 Initiative Offers:

A Cohort Model of Staffing. T3 teacher leaders work together as teams of high-performing educators in low-performing schools. The T3 cohort comprises at least 25% of the school faculty. The cohort receives training together and time for collaboration throughout the year. T3 teacher leaders serve in a variety of leadership roles that facilitate and support the work of all teachers in the school to significantly increase student achievement.

A Broader Turnaround Strategy that Supports Effective Teaching. T3 partner schools are committed to supporting teachers in playing a central role in a comprehensive plan to dramatically improve the culture and outcomes of the school.  T3 partner schools have:

• A strong, experienced principal who supports and empowers teachers and who values teacher leadership;

• Wrap-around services for students to help teachers address their students’ social, emotional, and health needs and provide support for parent and community outreach;

• Ongoing training and professional development that begins with an intensive, team-based summer institute;

• Resources for improving instruction such as regular data on student progress and expert coaching.

Differentiated Pay. T3 teacher leaders are compensated to work an extended school year to complete their training and leadership responsibilities beyond their own classroom duties. 

A Partnership Between: