Teacher retention rates are worse than ever. There is a definite gap in professional engagement, and it needs to be addressed as rapidly as possible so that the future of education is not jeopardized as a direct result. These rates are negatively impacted by various factors including atmosphere, culture, curriculum choices, behavior policies, job demands, and management styles.
While there is little wiggle room in some areas, others are open for improvement. These five tactics will support educators in their professional journey and encourage positive retention in the future.
Professional Coaching Programs
Professional coaching programs are effective when it comes to improving teacher retention. They support educators throughout their development journey and work towards enabling them within their work environment. It is an opportunity for teachers to reach beyond what they thought they were capable of doing and transcend their self-enforced limitations. Learning is not just for the students after all.
Collaborative Listening
It is one thing to lead, but it is quite another to listen to your team. Teaching environments should embrace listening at the heart of every decision, movement, and change so that the entire team of teaching staff feels as though their voice is being not just heard, but acknowledged as well. Collaborative listening approaches ensure that every person who has something to contribute gets a seat at the table, and this type of inclusivity is conducive to better retention rates.
Embrace Independent Thinking
Just like listening matters, so does independent thinking. The world of education draws a certain type of person to it. They are often creative, forward thinking, and ready to help others see their passion. This type of character does not perform well under rigid structures and strict pressures.
Allowing the flexibility of an independent thought and decision process, to a certain extent, will positively impact how well an individual manages to engage with the role, and how long they will stay.
Restructure Workloads
Budgets may be tight, but there are few excuses that validate overloading teachers with work. Embracing a restructure means figuring out which tasks could be delegated, and taking action. A teacher that has too much on their plate will burn out more quickly, and not be able to be present in the classroom space nor reach the students in any meaningful capacity. Burnout is one of the biggest dangers for teaching professionals, and it is directly linked to poor retention rates.
Being Responsive
More often than not, when engagement is low, a toxic environment is created. This has to be targeted head on as soon as possible. There are very few positive outcomes once toxicity works its way in, and teachers will start to leave if they associate their work environment with negativity.
Be responsive when problems happen, and make sure that everyone sees that changes being implemented. A teacher that has a strong support network will want to stick around.
Retention rates are important in educational settings. They give the students a sense of identity and consistency and help teachers thrive. If retention is low, the environment will suffer directly. Tackle the problem at the root and support educators wherever it is needed.
