Building Bridges

As Tennessee continues to strengthen key reform efforts to ensure improved academic outcomes for all children throughout the state, quality of instruction remains the “single greatest determinant of learning." To that end, the Sullivan County Department of Education concentrates effort, resources, and focus on instruction as evidenced by Goal 1 of the Board of Education's strategic plan: “Sullivan County will demonstrate sustained growth in student achievement.”

Competencies and Beliefs

Sullivan County teacher leaders believe...

• all children have the right to a high-quality education.
• all students can achieve at high levels.
• all teachers can achieve at high levels.
• learning is a lifelong process.
• maintaining effective communication and collaborating with all stakeholders is a key component to growth and development.
• instructional decisions should be based on students’ individual needs, determined through analysis of multiple work samples.

Sullivan County teacher leaders have the capacity to...

• influence others to achieve results while building relationships through mutual respect; respond to needs of adult learners.
• support all teachers in using effective instructional strategies to meet students’ diverse learning needs.
• leverage deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve student learning.
• persevere in the face of obstacles.
• hold self and others accountable for student learning and adult learning.
• foster a culture of excellence through personal leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
• display honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, and sincerity in all interactions.