Teacher Retention and Renewal

“I am grateful for all the resources we have but at the same time overwhelmed by all the resources we have” a teacher told me.  Planning, preparing, organizing, managing, integrating (technology) and teaching in classrooms are just some the responsibilities teachers are faced with all year long.  As a result, we all need to build up our resilience and faith in our profession because our students depend on us.

But…where do we start?

•       Build Community-Conversations with your colleagues facilitates the sharing of stories, experiences and thoughts that connect us.  Find ways to come together, listen and bring your similarities to the surface.

•     Be Yourself-Know what works for you. Identify your beliefs as an educator and human being. Why do you do what you do? Self-knowledge gives you the ability to make intentional and effective choices that will help build resilience.

•     Ask and It Shall Be Answered-Change is constant in education. Nobody has all the answers and allowing your peers, mentors and coaches to support you throughout the year is just common sense. Schedules, lesson plans, lunch/recess/dismissal protocols, resources and smart board problems are some of the issues that if you are new to a district, school or teaching you need help with so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

•       Create A Plan for Self-Care-Start with one goal at time: sleep, exercise, meditate and eat well! I did not follow this advice and now 20 plus years into education, I am having to repair a lot of damage. But it’s never too late! Prioritize these essential actions and pay close attention to the positive shift in your emotions after the first couple of weeks.

Research into” the revolving door “of teachers, particularly new teachers, leaving the profession has reinforced the idea that induction programs and creating professional learning networks assist in teachers meeting other colleagues, learning from them, comparing notes and trying to come up with a coherent curriculum that builds a consistent voice of advocacy for improving school conditions which allows increased teacher autonomy.  Has your district implemented these measures? If so, how is it working?

Shedding Light: I sit down with teachers and step-by-step go through all our programs and frameworks. My coaching calendar is available to all and conversations are confidential. There are no silver bullets or magic wands but helping hands and a kind smile make a difference.               

"Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space.  It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe.  It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished."  ~Michael Strassfeld