Elementary school teacher Michael Bonner once said, “You cannot demand a withdrawal from someone you have never invested in.” While he was speaking about building relationships with students, I think the same rings true for our relationship with teachers.
Our nation’s teachers wear so many hats. They’re mentors, motivators, guidance counselors, nutritionists, and, over the last 2.5 years, technologists. Their jobs require a consistent output of energy, an endless store of empathy, and deep reserves of expertise. It’s a job that is sustainable ONLY if teacher’s output is balanced by investments in them, as people and as leaders. The exodus of teachers shows we haven’t yet mastered this equation.
According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some 300,000 public-school teachers and other staff left the field between February 2020 and May 2022, a nearly 3% drop in that workforce. Worn down by the challenges of teaching through the past few years, more educators say they are considering doing the same: A National Education Association poll conducted this year found 55% of teachers said they would leave education sooner than planned, up from 37% last August.
Herein lies the question: How do we invest in our teachers in ways that inspire and strengthen their commitment to the profession?
This past summer, I had the privilege of welcoming 60 teachers to Boston from across the country for three days of education, networking and brainstorming. The instructors — who were selected because of their innovative approach to instruction, record of success in supporting student growth, and a commitment to their own professional learning – shared ideas for how they could best be supported this next school year.
Here’s what they had to say:
Appreciation
Educators pointed to the practice of appreciation as the most important source of fuel in their practice. “Appreciation,” shared one educator, “is a thank you with no expectations attached.” The only investment required is creativity. This could be a celebratory meal, an exhilarating group experience, or a set of letters that express gratitude for the way they nurture our children. Consider a community drive to donate classroom supplies, or headshots by a local photographer to professionalize school websites.
Spirit of Learning
Provide our educators opportunities to role model the very skills most critical to students’ long-term success: a spirit of learning. Bring in inspiring speakers who spark big ideas or offering forums for communal discussion. These sessions help educators strengthen problem-solving muscles, encourage entrepreneurial approaches, and reinvigorate a growth mindset.
Voice
Every day, teachers work to advance our children’s learning, so it stands to reason that they have an important perspective on educational decisions that occur outside of the classroom but impact our kids all the same. Invite instructors into these discussions and offer them a voice in the process. For example, if your community is making decisions about the district budget or improvements to school facilities, invite teachers to be a part of the hearings. If your district is making decisions about education technology procurement, give educators a seat at the table. If schools are making decisions about new curricular resources, make teachers members on the review committee. If a teacher is engaged in decision-making that affects their practice, they will invest in its success.
If we want our community’s educators to bring their best selves for our children, we need to invest in them as people. This includes a seat at the table, the opportunity to explore and test big ideas, and the chance to revel in the joy of recognition.
Subscribe to edCircuit to stay up to date on all of our shows, podcasts, news, and thought leadership articles.