Let’s talk retaining top teachers 🧑🏫
You may have heard people say Glen Rock has a “teacher problem” – that too many are leaving. But how many? How often? And is it truly more than average? The truth is, there’s no clear, publicly available data on staff turnover. Right now, the only way to track it is by piecing together meeting minutes and staffing updates.
If elected, I will push to make teacher retention data transparent and accessible. Because retaining great educators isn’t just important – it’s paramount to our district’s success.
The Board’s only direct hire is the Superintendent, but the Board plays a critical role in retaining top talent across the district. If elected, I would help do this by:
Approving budgets that fund teachers’ professional growth and classroom resources.
Ensuring salary structures remain competitive and sustainable.
Treating teachers with respect.
Supporting policies that support wellness—such as mental health resources or work-life balance initiatives.
Recognizing the contributions and successes of teachers publicly at Board meetings.
Creating a supportive partnership between the Board, administration, and staff.
Setting policies that foster a positive culture where teachers can thrive. For example, the Board can set policies that prioritize manageable class sizes, encourage mentorship between experienced and new teachers, and support time for collaboration amongst colleagues.
Teachers are the ones who build a positive school culture. Students benefit from continuity in instruction and relationships.
$$$ - Crunch the numbers - turnover is costly! It’s much more budget friendly to retain a teacher than to recruit, hire and train a new teacher.
Seasoned teachers can pass along knowledge to newer staff
High turnover is disruptive and can negatively impact student performance.
It’s no secret - there’s a teaching shortage. Retaining great educators will help ensure Glen Rock’s students are served with quality staff & those teachers will become part of the core fabric of the Glen Rock school community.
“Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions”
