Tiered Teachers

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Here are the common ways teachers are tiered by administrators:
1. Performance-Based Designations (e.g., Texas TIA) 
Administrators in many districts use state-approved rubrics (like T-TESS, Danielson, or Marzano) combined with student growth data to rank teachers into tiers, such as: 
  • Master Teacher: Recognizes the highest level of performance and impact.
  • Exemplary Teacher: Denotes high performance.
  • Recognized Teacher: Denotes proficiency.
    These tiers are often linked to significant additional compensation and increased leadership roles.     
2. Career Ladder and Licensure Levels (e.g., New Mexico, Australia) 
State departments and administrators often use a tiered licensure system to track experience and professional growth: 
  • Level 1 (Novice/Resident): New teachers, often paired with mentors and on temporary licenses.
  • Level 2 (Professional): Teachers with several years of experience, holding permanent or renewable licenses.
  • Level 3 (Master/Lead): Highly experienced teachers, often with Master’s degrees or National Board Certification, who may lead professional development or mentor others.
  • Alternative Structure: Some systems use Graduate, Proficient, Highly Accomplished, and Lead designations. 
3. Support and Intervention Tiers (MTSS for Teachers)
Similar to the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for students, administrators may tier support for teachers to improve classroom instruction: 
  • Tier 1 (Universal): Quality professional development, coaching, and resources provided to all teachers to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction.
  • Tier 2 (Targeted): Targeted, small-group interventions for teachers needing to improve specific skills, such as classroom management or data analysis.
  • Tier 3 (Intensive): Highly individualized coaching and support for teachers struggling with persistent, significant performance challenges. 
4. Leadership Tiers
Administrators identify effective teachers for different levels of responsibility within the school: 
  • Classroom Teacher: Focuses on instruction.
  • Mentor/Instructional Coach: Provides peer support and coaching.
  • Department Head/Lead Teacher: Takes on administrative and curricular responsibilities. 
Key Data Used by Administrators
To assign these tiers, administrators generally rely on:
  • Classroom Observations: Regular, documented walkthroughs.
  • Student Growth Data: Value-added models (VAM) or student learning objectives (SLOs).
  • Evaluation Rubrics: Comprehensive evaluations against professional standards. 
These structures are designed to provide targeted development, enable data-driven retention, and create paths for professional growth. 

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