Teach Plus urges pilot programs and strategic staffing to stem teacher attrition

Dr. Simone Stankler and Jill Weller Riley of Teach Plus presented research and practical examples of "strategic staffing" models that aim to keep strong teachers in classrooms while expanding their impact through collaboration, coaching and differentiated roles.

"Teacher attrition hovers around 7% for the last several years," Stankler said, arguing recruitment alone is insufficient and that improving working conditions and career pathways is essential to retention. Weller Riley described an observed model where a third‑year teacher led a high‑quality math lesson supported by colleagues: "What stood out to me was not just the structure of the lesson but the quality of it."

Both witnesses urged pilot programs across Pennsylvania so districts can test locally designed strategic staffing approaches rather than adopt a single statewide model. They said Teach Plus has been working with Representative Curry and referenced successful models in other states (including North Carolina) as examples to evaluate and adapt. Testimony emphasized that pilots would require targeted funding and philanthropic partnerships and that successful models should preserve local contract rights while providing supplemental roles and pay for lead or mentor teachers.

Committee members asked about program design, funding and the interaction with collective bargaining. Teach Plus representatives said pilots should be locally designed, federally and state‑compliant, and flexible so districts can tailor roles (team teaching, apprenticeships, lead‑teacher stipends) to their needs. The committee did not vote on pilot legislation during the hearing.