Why Policy-Practice Alignment Matters

When state educator preparation policies and on-the-ground practices are aligned, every part of the system—from state agencies to educator preparation programs to schools and school districts—works toward the same vision for preparing quality teachers who stay in the classroom for an extended period of time. Embedding effective practices into policy creates stability, resilience, and a shared commitment to improvement across the state. This alignment ensures that expectations of quality are consistent; the adoption of proven approaches, such as high-quality teacher residencies and registered apprenticeships, is efficient; and partnerships between policymakers and practitioners are strengthened. Policy-practice alignment transforms isolated efforts into a coherent, sustainable strategy for achieving lasting, statewide change in educator preparation and student outcomes. Without it, reforms risk becoming fragmented and unevenly implemented, limiting their impact.

Introducing NCTR’s IMPACT Framework

For many state and local education agencies, charters, and educator preparation programs, the task of aligning state policies with local practices presents significant challenges. For almost two decades, NCTR has collected and analyzed data on how agencies, institutions, and organizations across the nation collaborate to advocate for and implement systemic improvements in educator preparation.

IMPACT is a framework that aligns educator preparation with the evolving needs of schools, communities, and the future of learning. By uniting stakeholders across the education system, IMPACT ensures that teacher preparation is not fragmented but connected, coherent, and responsive. Through intentional collaboration, shared priorities, and continuous reflection, systems are created that equip educators not just to meet today’s classroom demands but to lead transformative change for tomorrow. The IMPACT approach is needed now more than ever—to bridge gaps, elevate teacher voice, and ensure every learner benefits from highly prepared, future-ready educators.

NCTR Can Support You Throughout Your Journey

NCTR Program Offerings

Contact us to learn more about how our programming supports state education agencies, Department of Labor, local education agencies, charters, educator preparation programs, teachers unions, and/or nonprofits as they strengthen the teacher workforce.