Teaching to Lead
From Careers to Classrooms
Building Leaders Who Teach
New teachers shouldn’t have to choose between theory and survival. Developed by SREB and the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education, Teaching to Lead provides a structured, customizable path for early-career educators—especially those entering the profession from alternative certification pathways or industry careers.
Our research-proven framework equips participants with tools they can use on day one, year one and beyond.
The T2L Framework
The core program is built around four foundational professional development modules intertwined with direct coaching and peer collaboration:
- Instructional Planning: Learn to map curriculum, design robust unit plans and align daily lessons with standards.
- Engagement Strategies: Master project- and problem-based learning tactics that foster critical thinking and teamwork.
- Assessment & Feedback: Balance formative and summative tools to track progress, motivate students and refine teaching practices.
- Classroom Culture: Build personalized, well-managed learning environments that encourage positive behavior and reduce discipline challenges.
A Scalable, Flexible Design
T2L scales seamlessly for school, district or statewide implementation. The scope and sequence offers up to 200 hours of continuous training, including:
- Pre-service summer intensives (mini-lectures, team planning and teach-backs)
- Just-in-time professional development ahead of new grading periods
- On-site coaching visits and structured mentor support
- Post-year-one reflection and deep-dive instructional planning
Explore Our Specialized Pathways
While the pedagogical foundations remain constant, T2L dives deep into the specific instructional nuances of individual content areas. Explore our dedicated programming:
Impact by the Numbers
Our data proves that when teachers feel supported and competent, they stay in the classroom.
|
Participant Schools and Districts Two-Year Retention Data |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumner County Schools, TN | Rutherford County Schools, TN* | Kentucky** | Syracuse, NY*** |
|
100% |
96.1% |
92% |
87% |
*This reflects three-year retention data.
**Up from 68%
***Up from 50%
Turning Industry Experts Into Classroom Leaders
From Alt-Prep to Classroom Ready
Great technical instructors are the key to preparing students for a changing workforce. However, transitioning from a successful career in business or industry to a secondary or postsecondary career and technical education classroom requires a completely distinct skill set.
Fostering Inquiry, Logic and Problem-Solving
Where Math and Science Meet the Science of Teaching
Note for returning visitors: This program was formerly known as SREB SMART (Science and Math Alternative Route to Teaching). While the name has changed to align with our unified Teaching to Lead process, our core focus on driving STEM achievement remains the same.
Great teachers are the key to preparing students for success in college and high-demand careers. T2L: Math & Science is a professional learning pathway designed specifically for secondary math and science teachers who enter education through an alternative route or transition from STEM-related industries.
Cultivating Creativity and Critical Literacy
The Art of Teaching Arts and Humanities
Great humanities and arts instruction requires balancing individual student expression with rigorous academic and literacy standards. T2L: Arts & Humanities is designed for new and early-career educators—including those entering through alternative certification pathways—who are tasked with developing students’ critical thinking, reading and communication skills.
Structuring Classrooms for Special Needs Learners
Adding the Skills You Need to Help Students Learn
Special education classrooms demand an exceptional level of organization, individualized instruction and environmental predictability. T2L: Special Education translates our research-backed induction model into specific practices that address the complex demands placed on new special education professionals.
