3 Keys to Teacher Retention
Addressing the Teacher Retention Crisis
Teacher retention has reached a critical point. Consider these 2022 statistics:
- 80% of teachers identify burnout as a serious problem.1
- 55% of educators are ready to leave the profession earlier than planned.2
- 76% of educators feel student behavioral issues are a major challenge.3
- 84% support hiring more counselors and psychologists.4
- 94% want more student health and behavioral support.5
- Only 10% would strongly recommend the profession to a young adult.6
- Only 30% are satisfied with their current position.7
However, hope remains. Teachers who feel supported by their administration and that their voices are heard are more likely to stay. By addressing key issues, districts can help mitigate the retention crisis.
1. Building Competency to Manage Today’s Classroom
Teachers need high-quality professional development and high-impact coaching to enhance their skills. This involves:
- Positive interaction with all students: Treat every student equally and respectfully, including those with behavioral challenges or who work below grade level.
- Safe learning environments: Set and enforce clear rules for behavior and academic performance.
- Effective communication and collaboration: Teachers must communicate with families, administrators, and students while collaborating with colleagues and coaches to grow their skills.
- In-class instruction and assessment: Develop and implement effective lesson plans, instructional strategies, and assessments.
To prepare students for learning, teachers should:
- Learn each student’s needs: Use formal and informal assessments to personalize instruction.
- Assess student readiness: Identify knowledge gaps at the beginning of the school year.
- Instill confidence: Ensure students know they can succeed.
- Remediate while instructing: Teach basic skills alongside new concepts to bring all students along.
2. Building Teacher Confidence
Investing in professional development demonstrates that districts value their educators. In a Catapult Learning survey, teachers said:
- 91% found the coaching program positively impacted their teaching practices.
- 94% of school leaders reported improved student outcomes due to coaching.
- 93% felt supported and encouraged by their coaches.
Professional development helps teachers grow, enhances student success, and boosts teacher morale and retention.
3. Supporting Relevant Skills
Teachers face ongoing challenges, including learning loss from the pandemic and rising behavioral issues. Addressing these challenges requires solutions such as:
- High-dosage tutoring
- Summer learning programs
- High-impact coaching
Behavioral challenges lead to more classroom disruptions and slower learning, increasing demands on teachers to meet diverse student needs. Professional learning focused on equitable services equips teachers to create inclusive environments and improve outcomes for all students.
Moving Forward
By prioritizing classroom management, professional development, and leadership growth, districts can support their educators and ensure long-term success for students and schools.
