Frontline Education

Teacher Retention Strategies: Ideas to Keep Great Educators

The teacher shortage isn’t anything new — and neither are the day-to-day challenges that come alongside it. This widespread issue has become even more glaring in recent years. School districts are experiencing high turnover rates — which can lead to a massive interruption of student learning. Because these struggles are so rampant and far-reaching, it’s essential to take steps, big or small, toward improving staff retention. You may be asking yourself, “But how do we get our staff to stay?” If that question makes your head spin, you can breathe easier, because we have a list of ideas. Answering the “how” will not only improve instruction and impact student achievement, but it will also help your staff feel continuously supported and heard. After all, when teachers feel respected, taken care of, and have the support of leadership, they are far more likely stay. You likely already implement parts or all of the following strategies to increase teacher retention. Below are some additional ideas and resources to supplement your efforts.

Promote growth opportunities

While there are many ways in which you can promote teacher growth, if it’s not ongoing and continuous your teachers may not feel fully supported. • Create personalized growth plans: Collaborate directly with your teachers to create a plan for their future.

When you work with your educators to hear their unique needs and goals, you are not only establishing an open dialogue, you’re also building a relationship. • Give teachers voice and choice: One of the simplest ways to both establish an atmosphere of supportive trust and implement effective professional development is to involve teachers in choosing their own PD.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, consider whether professional learning opportunities are meeting each teacher’s individual needs, providing learning that evolves over the course of a teacher’s career.

Support Teacher Wellness

Throughout the pandemic, the notion of “normalcy” didn’t really exist. Although the dust has begun to settle and more normalized routines have returned to classrooms, the weighted impact of the last few years still lingers. With a rise in anxiety and depression, it’s critical to support and promote mental health in your district. Prioritizing your staff’s mental health will ultimately help them avoid burnout.

Cultivate a positive school culture

Establishing a school culture where teachers feel they have a voice and are being listened to creates a better environment for student growth and achievement. Keep in mind this doesn’t just happen by checking off a list and saying, “Okay, we did it!” Cultivating a positive school culture is an ongoing process. Remember, teacher appreciation isn’t confined to one week — it’s important to remind your teachers they are supported year-round: • Provide continuous and relevant feedback • Offer a mentor program to new teachers • Give acts of kindness — perhaps it’s snacks, supplies, or free lunch on Monday!

Teachers who feel supported are teachers who stay

Whether it’s prioritizing your staff’s mental well-being or implementing personalized professional development, combatting teacher attrition starts with supportive leadership. Districts that ensure their teachers have a voice and feel continually listened to are on track to increasing retention rates. So, take the first step in getting your employees to stay by surrounding them from all directions with consistent, year-long support. Interested in more content? Check out our data-driven blog post on hire rates

The Effects of Inefficiencies on School Administrators

Missing a few hairs on your head? You might be spending time pulling out your hair dealing with a temperamental printer.

Relentless compliance deadlines can induce brain fog.

Struggling to recruit for open positions may lead to a heavy heart.

Work-life balance might feel out of reach — an ever-increasing workload induces a feeling of walking along an endless tight rope. Thanks to late nights at the office and early mornings, administrators rarely get the recommended 8 hours of sleep — and wake up feeling like they have bags under their eyes.

Aches and pains pop up due to the physical strain of lugging around heavy piles of paper.

Endless manual data entry induces

soreness in fingers and hands.

Constant dull aches in the pit of your stomach are common when every season brings a fresh set of challenges.

What would your day-to-day look like if you could make inefficiencies a thing of the past? With only so many hours in a day, you need to be able to make the most of your time — not only for the sake of your district, but also for your own sake.

There’s a better way!

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