Lead Teacher Case Study
April 2015
Some new teachers and school leaders to came to our school this year. One of the
teachers who joined our team has over 15 years experience. This teacher is an
expert in the content area yet is having difficulty developing engaging lessons for
our student demographic. The difficulty for this teacher is primarily pedagogical.
While initially the teacher was receptive to guidance and 1:1 mentoring support
from some of the school leaders, the teacher’s frustration with the classroom
experience hit a new high in late November, after first term grades were submitted.
Soon after, the teacher stopped coming to department-focused planning sessions.
In late December/early January, the teacher began to decline teaching support and
lesson design guidance. In recent weeks, classroom management has developed as a
significant concern. Students are reportedly being “mean” to the teacher and the
teacher becomes emotionally distraught during class. The grade book on ASPEN has
entries that students and parents reportedly don’t understand. Lesson planning
reflects activity-oriented learning rather than rigorous and thematic standardsbased instruction.
After the January EDFS check-in for all teachers new to the school, this teacher was
encouraged to get additional BTU support and coaching. The teacher has declined.
The teacher was provided the opportunity to observe other teachers at our site and
other school sites. The teacher has declined. The teacher has been offered lesson
planning support, co-teaching opportunities, and short, off-the-record coaching
cycles to practice a particular skill. The teacher has declined.
This teacher is a kind-hearted person. It’s clear the teacher is really struggling. How
can we support this teacher?
Case Analysis Questions
1. Describe the situation
2. What problem/challenge needs to be solved?
3. What are some assumptions underlying this case?
4. What are some possibilities of why this teacher may be declining support?
5. Identify 2-3 potential courses of action. What are the pros/cons of each
action?