How to Hold on to Quality Staff Even in a Teacher Shortage
Leadership | Professional Development | Teacher Retention & Attrition | May 17 | Written By Shannon Klaft, M.Ed
While many organizations are just starting to understand the benefits of running a virtual coaching platform, Education Leadership Services has been at it for years. Since 2016, founder Veronica Gerald had a vision of expanding her reach beyond face-to-face interactions. She knew that the virtual model would allow her to have a greater impact on education. There were several foundational pillars that drove her to create and perfect this approach over the last six years ago. This forward-thinking philosophy is based upon the following:
As schools struggle to find high-quality staff members, retaining teachers is more important than ever before. According to a study at Penn’s Graduate School of Education, even before the pandemic, 44% of new teachers were leaving the profession within the first 5 years. The pandemic placed even more demands on staff members. Shortages, closures, and constant changes added to the stress. When it comes to teacher retention, there are two major predictors: the preparation that teachers get before they enter the classroom and the support they receive once they are there.
A major determinant in teacher retention is their pedagogical preparation. Studies show that the better the teacher's training, the more likely the teacher is to feel successful and “stick around”. In other words, pedagogy was strongly related to teacher attrition. “Beginning teachers who have taken courses in teaching methods, strategies, learning theory and child psychology, were significantly less likely to depart.”
What can a principal do to develop their staff's pedagogy? Is it too late to help teachers develop these critical skills once they have left the university and entered the classroom? While it is not “too late” for teachers to gain new knowledge, principals might not have the time to fill in these instructional gaps. Luckily, Education Leadership Services can offer solutions:
Planning and Execution of Professional Development Workshops
When teachers feel successful and well equipped, they are more likely to stay. These training sessions prepared by experts in the field help teachers grow. Content can be geared towards new teachers and/or those who have been around for decades. The professional learning workshops provide tools and strategies for the instructional staff to use in their classrooms immediately. With the help of Education Leadership Services, principals can rest assured that their staff is progressing and keeping up to speed with the latest best practices.
The second critical factor in teacher retention is “on the job” support. One of the most critical forms of guidance in retaining teachers is feedback regarding instructional practices. Many school leaders and mentors are overextended. Many teachers feel that their current coaching support is not adequate or not enough. For that reason Education Leadership Services can offer a solution:
One on One Coaching
This 1:1 virtual coaching program allows teachers to get the help they need on any topic and at their convenience. School administrators are stretched too thinly to provide ongoing observations, feedback, and lesson planning guidance…not to mention, assessment creation, data collection, analysis, etc. Professional coaches from Education Leadership Services are happy to fill this role. With the commitment and support of a dedicated coach, teachers are more likely to thrive in their roles.
Instructional staff members that participate in high-quality professional development and receive feedback about their instructional practices are more likely to stay at their place of employment. It’s not an easy task for principals to go at it alone. Outsourcing support from Education Leadership Services supports the goals of school administrators while increasing teacher retention.
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