Support for Teacher Leaders Takes Center Stage at Malden School Committee Meeting

During the Malden School Committee meeting on December 2, 2024, a passionate plea was made for the vital role of teacher leaders at Malden High School. A veteran teacher, who has dedicated 15 years to the school, emphasized the importance of these stipended positions in guiding curriculum implementation and ensuring equitable instruction for all students.

The teacher highlighted the significant contributions of Kayla Gaynor, the current math department leader, who has spearheaded initiatives to enhance student engagement and learning. Through innovative strategies like visibly randomized groups and collaborative problem-solving tasks, Gaynor has improved the quality of instruction across the board. Her efforts in professional development have also fostered a consistent approach to teaching, ensuring that all students, regardless of their course level, receive rigorous education.

However, the meeting revealed a pressing issue: the current teacher leaders have been working without compensation since the start of the school year due to a problem with the granting process that funds their positions. The speaker urged the committee to take action, advocating for the immediate resolution of this issue to ensure that these essential roles continue and that the educators receive the pay they deserve for their critical work.

The discussion underscored the importance of teacher leaders in achieving the district's goal of providing equitable education for all students. As the meeting concluded, the urgency for a solution to this compensation issue was clear, with hopes that the committee would act swiftly to support the dedicated educators at Malden High School.