The Teachers Academy was founded in 1990 to raise the mathematics and science skills of teachers and to improve student achievement as a result. The Academy is committed to a comprehensive, long term approach to professional development, believing that upgrading teacher skills is the best and most cost effective way to improve schools. The Academy has focused its efforts on schools in Cook, Kane and St. Clair Counties. Support for overall school improvement by working with principals and school leadership to determine how resources can best be used to bolster instruction. Encourages parents to become leaders in the school community.
Tracks changes in participating schools even after they leave the program.
By the end of the 1999 school year, the Academy will have served 82 schools in Chicago and 16 schools in five other districts throughout the state. More than 3,000 Chicago teachers have taken part in Academy activities, of those, about 2,400 participated in the comprehensive staff development program.