RE: Question 1: Attracting and Retaining Teachers

I generally agree with Mr. Ratliff's comments here, but I would like to add that one of the several qualities of any "quality teacher" is the "commitment to professional collaboration", as outlined in the "Access to a Qualified and Inspiring Teacher in the Classroom" statements by the Master Plan committee.  

I see this as not only a willingness to consider new teaching strategies, especially when supported by research, but also an aggressive effort to seek such input, and incorporate them as appropriate in the classroom.  This applies to both content and pedagogy.  I've seen a number of teachers who feel they "know all they need to know" and are "already doing a perfect job of teaching" who resist professional growth.  This is a basic attitude problem, but it needs to be addressed early on if we are seeking truly professional quality in our teachers.