High-performing education systems view teachers as highly-trained professionals, and teachers in those systems feel valued.

In high-performing education systems, fewer hours in front of a classroom means more time for teachers to pursue professional learning opportunities throughout the working week. All of this leads to a stronger, ever improving teaching force and higher student achievement overall.

Top-performing education systems strengthen schools by appointing experienced teachers as professional learning leaders to guide peer collaboration, support curriculum implementation, and foster continuous improvement.

This report from former Shanghai Normal University President and Shanghai Education Commission Deputy Director Minxuan Zhang, offers an insider’s perspective into the world-leading Shanghai education system.

Michael Day, Director of the School of Education at the University of Roehampton in London, discusses "learning rounds" for teacher education students—structured school visits where students observe and learn from practicing teachers, inspired by medical residency models.

Top-performing systems provide new teachers with structured mentorship from experienced educators to ensure continuous professional learning from day one.

Top-performing education systems require significantly longer and more structured classroom practicum experiences with expert mentorship for teacher candidates, compared to the inconsistent and often shorter requirements across U.S. states.

Top education systems select school leaders from among the very best teachers, providing strong mentorship support as they progress in their careers.

Top-performing education systems require aspiring principals to have teaching experience, leadership qualifications, and often leadership training programs.

Professional environments for teachers require competitive salaries, career progression, mentorship, and collaborative learning opportunities—resulting in high retention and stronger student outcomes.

The New Zealand Initiative calls for elevating teaching through rigorous training, career pathways, and professional collaboration to address declining student performance and inequality.