More on Retaining Teachers

Posted on April 4, 2023 Written by

As we’ve discussed before (here and here), teacher shortages are an increasingly concern! Not only are fewer teachers entering the profession, but the number of veteran teachers calling it quits continues to rise each year. And well-meaning, but misguided, legislation in some states seems to be exacerbating the problem!* That’s why the tips and techniques in those posts are so important.

Here are some additional tips aimed specifically at new teachers (who have the highest dropout rates in the profession). Jill Fletcher, a veteran classroom teacher and policy analyst for NTCE, talks about her own experience as a “newbie,” and offers these Five Ways Seasoned Veterans Can Support New Teachers. She shares some excellent ideas for helping support the newest members of your team!

*https://www.americanprogress.org/article/teacher-preparation-shortcuts-wont-solve-the-teacher-shortage/

Let us know if you implement any of these suggestions in your school, and how they worked out. We’re always looking ways readers have applied ideas found in the Blog, and we’d love to share your personal experience!

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More on Bullying

Posted on March 21, 2023 Written by

Bullying between students can take many forms (including cyberbullying). Unfortunately, many studies suggest that this problem has gotten worse post-pandemic.

One of the best ways to counter bullying is to teach students how to appropriately intervene in instances of bullying, and how to support one another with strategies that play to their individual strengths. We discuss that in depth in my Physical Environment of Schools course … but there are also several great videos on bullying mitigation on the StopBullying.gov site.

In addition, this Antidote to Bullying article (EL magazine, 02/01/23), by education professors Fisher and Frey, shares the latest research on this topic. It also includes a “show and tell” video of an anti-bullying exercise.

Learning how to respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior can change your school culture. And over time, that can greatly reduce the incidence of bullying.

For more on this topic, go to the “Bullying” section under the “Other” header.

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Hybrid Learning Study

Posted on March 7, 2023 Written by

There were some interesting findings in a Hybrid Instruction study that came out last month. The authors examined Hybrid Instruction in nine states, and based on what they found, they offer some strong recommendations about what works best when face-to-face instruction isn’t possible.

If you’re an acting principal or superintendent, this background information could be very useful for future decision-making. Although the COVID crisis seems to over and most states are back to face-to-face instruction, who knows what tomorrow might bring? Legislation on this issue has swung back and forth over the past few years, and some even suggested that hybrid instruction might be a solution for the national teacher shortage. So as with most issues, it’s always best to be prepared with data from reputable studies.

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Principal Retention

Posted on February 21, 2023 Written by

Getting (and keeping) good principals is increasingly difficult these days. This five-year study shows that despite what some believe, salaries are far from the only issue. The study also offers some clear take-aways how districts can do a better job of keeping excellent administrators.

While many of you have already experienced some of the issues addressed in this article, it might be useful to share with your superintendent so that they can share it with your school board. It offers solid research support for what most of us already know.

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