Retention Is the New Recruitment and Other Teacher-Shortage Strategies

Edmentum welcomed Dr. Mark Benigni, superintendent of Meriden Public Schools in Connecticut; Kelly Coash-Johnson, executive director of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA); and Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools in Michigan, for a virtual roundtable discussion on teacher recruitment and retention—the first virtual event in our “Perspectives” series.

Improving teacher retention, attracting educators, and reducing educator burnout rank as key goals for school leaders entering the upcoming school year. Alongside these priorities, speakers discussed ways to address teacher shortages and refine teacher recruitment strategies.

These three education industry experts acknowledged recruitment and retention as significant concerns upon returning to school. Yet, they remained optimistic and exchanged practical methods they've used or seen to attract new teachers. They also discussed ways to retain those considering other career paths. Here are a few highlights from their conversation:

Retention is the new recruitment. Recruiting new talent is one thing, but if turnover is high, it can be like trying to fill a leaky bucket. Shifting the focus from solely recruitment to retention fosters a more stable ecosystem, where both existing and incoming staff can flourish. 

It's about building a foundation of institutional knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of belonging. This foundation goes beyond the initial excitement of becoming part of a new community. Strategic teacher retention practices transform schools into nurturing habitats that acknowledge the value of experienced educators.

We have to think differently. Retaining and recruiting new teachers is different today than it was a few years ago. We need to ensure we prepare and support teachers as they navigate a changing educational landscape. This involves addressing both familiar and new challenges they might encounter. 

A key approach is focusing on teacher training and development, equipping educators with skills to adapt to the ever-evolving classroom. As technology advances in education and student needs evolve, it is crucial that teachers receive ongoing training and resources. This can include incorporating tech tools into lesson plans and addressing challenges like remote learning and mental health in the classroom.

We need to embrace opportunity for positive change. Despite the new challenges brought by the pandemic, there have been positive outcomes in education. These include the adoption of new practices, like virtual parent-teacher conferences, online courses, and a renewed focus on student and educator wellness.

In addition to these structural shifts, there has been a profound realization of the crucial role of emotional intelligence in teaching. The pandemic has underscored the importance of empathy, resilience, and adaptability - not just in students, but in teachers as well. Schools now understand that the emotional well-being of teachers directly affects their ability to effectively nurture and educate students. 

As a result, it is crucial to prioritize supporting teachers' mental health, providing stress management resources, and fostering a supportive community. By prioritizing these elements, we can create an educational environment that is both academically robust and emotionally supportive, ensuring teachers feel valued and students feel understood.

Check out the full recording for more ideas on building environments that teachers want to stay in. These include offering professional growth opportunities, giving them the flexibility they require, and even providing an on-campus oasis room (teacher or not, you’ll want one of these!)

As educational landscapes continue to evolve, so must our approaches to teacher retention and recruitment. Today's educational leaders recognize that teacher recruitment strategies have transformed considerably from just a few years ago. Retaining and attracting new educators demand innovative solutions tailored to the changing times. By embracing adaptable strategies, we pave the way for sustained growth and stability in education.

Fostering a culture of ongoing learning and professional development is key. Schools should offer regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions that expose teachers to innovative teaching methodologies and keep them abreast of the latest educational trends. This not only enhances their teaching skills but also aids in personal growth and job satisfaction, thereby improving teacher retention.

If you're looking for ways to support teachers and fill gaps at your school, Edmentum can help! Our EdOptions Academy teachers can step in to fill staffing needs, while our instructional services provide valuable support through tutoring and foundational skills teaching. Additionally, our digital courses can expand your catalog and provide support for teachers teaching outside their primary subject areas.

We look forward to bringing you additional “Perspectives” series content every month. This virtual event series will gather insights from top education industry leaders on the important topics impacting schools, students, and educators. Check out our events page for details about the next conversation in the series!