FAQs - general questions
What is the mission of Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative?
The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative: Supporting Success is an effort to assist our nation's teachers through digital workshops, roundtables, regional in-person workshops, a national Research-to-Practice Summit, and electronic teacher updates. The Department is providing an unprecedented $5.1 billion in federal funding to support the teaching profession and is committed to listening to and learning from teachers.
What role do Teacher-to-Teacher workshops play in accomplishing the No Child Left Behind Act?
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is designed to ensure that all children have access to a first-rate education and meet high academic standards. The Act supports implementation of scientifically-based research in educational programs and practices and promotes high-quality professional development opportunities for teachers. The Teacher-to-Teacher workshops foster these goals by strengthening teachers' content knowledge and instructional strategies and by equipping them with a broad range of tools for use in the classroom.
Why use Teacher-to-Teacher workshops?
The Teacher-to-Teacher workshops empower teachers by showing real-world examples of how scientifically-based research is successfully translated into classroom practice and by providing effective ways of using data to inform instruction. The workshop presenters are exemplary practitioners who share the strategies they have used to close the achievement gap and help all children learn and progress. Teacher-to-Teacher workshops are cost free, provide quick and easy access to instructional materials, and can be used by individuals or groups.
Who created the videos and curriculum found on this website?
As part of its Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative, the U.S. Department of Education has offered a series of Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops in various cities across the country during the last 2 summers. The Department selected presenters who are some of the nation's most effective teachers and education experts -- experts who are using research-based practices and effective methods of using data to increase student achievement in their schools. These are real teachers, working in real schools, getting amazing results.
In order to more broadly share these success stories, these workshops have been taped and converted to online courses delivered using the video-streaming format. The courses are designed so that teachers can experience on-demand professional development in specific content areas to increase their knowledge and skills in order to improve student learning.
What is the cost?
Participating in the Teacher-to-Teacher online video courses is free. It is just another way the U.S. Department of Education is supporting teachers to achieve the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Which teachers will get the most benefit from Teacher-to-Teacher?
The Teacher-to-Teacher workshops are geared toward K-12 teachers and their principals. While the emphasis is on reading, writing, mathematics, and the use of data, there are also offerings in art, history, science, and behavior management. It is expected that additional courses will be added at regular intervals.
Are you planning more Teacher-to-Teacher courses in the future?
Yes. U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has stated her commitment to supporting the efforts of our nation's teachers to improve teaching and learning. While the emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematics will continue, there will be an expanded focus on other areas of need such as school leadership and foreign language.
How long is each video segment?
To get the length of time for each video segment, click here.
