How to Retain Teachers

Savannah, a current Possip reporter and former educator, shares ways to combat the “The Great Resignation” and retain teachers. 

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The Great Resignation – Teacher Solutions

The nature of COVID-19 inevitably changed our day-to-day lives while simultaneously asking us to reflect and reprioritize.

Our social circles grew smaller. Masks became something we grabbed along with our car keys and wallets before leaving the house. Many of us who once worked in offices or schools were suddenly working remotely from our own homes. Some, unfortunately, lost their jobs due to the nature of the pandemic, while others chose to willingly walk away. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced that during the month of August, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs .

Teachers and educators sacrificed a lot this past year. They deserve our best thoughts for engaging – and keeping them.  

This massive exodus within the workforce is now being called “The Great Resignation”. This statistic includes many industries, education being one of them. In fact, one in four teachers considered leaving their job during the 2019-2020 school year, according to Rand Corporation. 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. After earning my Bachelor’s in English and Master’s in Education, I was finally ready to enter the classroom. During the fifth year of my teaching career, I was teaching 11th and 12th grade AP English and receiving high-performing scores. I was the ELA Content Lead and the Upperclassman Grade Level Chair. I was supporting DEI and school culture, and leading a weekly club called Courageous Conversations Club. Along with many teachers, I too was swimming in student debt, struggling to pay my medical bills, and feeling incredibly overworked. I was one of many teachers who decided to step away from the profession. Not because I didn’t want to teach. In fact, I loved my job. However, the work itself no longer outweighed the exhaustion and stress, so I decided to step away. 

This then begs the question, how do we maintain high teacher retention rates amidst the pandemic? While trying to ease teacher workloads and show teachers appreciation are thoughtful, this systemic issue requires a larger response. Here are a few topics we think are important conversation starters when thinking about ways to retain teachers:

Rethink Compensation

According to the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, the average salary for teachers during the 2020-2021 school year was $63,645. While this may seem like a livable wage, it’s important to consider that most teachers spend a significant amount of their own money on classroom and student resources. Medical bills, student loans, child care expenses, and additional unexpected costs make this wage rather unsustainable long-term, especially in a single-income household. 

There are few teachers who work 40-hour work weeks. The one hour a day that’s reserved for planning five hours of lessons is not enough. Then of course there’s the grading, parent contact, and daily duties that add to a teacher’s workload. Teachers are fundamental to the system of education. They not only teach the necessary curriculum but also how to think, how to grow curious. Teachers are caretakers, mentors, and support systems. If we are to truly think about changing the education system and want to prioritize teacher retention, we must rethink compensation. While this may feel overwhelming, continuing to advocate for higher teacher compensation within your district and state matters. Stay informed about bills for education funding. Also, considering creative ways for teachers to make a more substantial income. This could be a great way to retain teachers!

Staff Shortage Coverage Ideas

In a recent Possip Pulse Check, one of our partner schools asked the question, “what is the one thing you want to take off your plate that would help you focus on daily student growth?” While the results varied, “subbing” was a common trend. Given the national shortage of teachers, it’s incredibly difficult to find substitutes, leaving many schools forced to ask teachers to substitute during their designated time off. This results in teacher burnout. 

If you do need teachers to cover for staff shortages, consider compensating teachers for their time. Consider asking for a volunteer list of teachers rather than creating a “batting order” with the entire staff. If you need a teacher to fill in unexpectedly, consider alleviating one of their other additional duties or responsibilities. 

Rethink Team Connections

When teachers are already feeling overwhelmed, additional tasks, meetings, or to-do’s can feel exhausting. Team bonding or community events that normally feel light-hearted and intentional can suddenly feel taxing. Consider investing in teachers by canceling unnecessary meetings. Limit team collaboration time and make it focussed and intentional. 

After spending an entire day making decisions and supporting students, taking time after school to brainstorm or problem-solve can feel like a burden, even if it is intentional. While PD and Team Time is usually meaningful and serves as a designated time to prioritize teachers’ voice, COVID has undeniably changed the way teachers relate to this set-aside time. This does not mean we should cancel all meetings, or completely exclude PD. However, we should be mindful of what we ask of teachers.

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Ways to retain teachers is a difficult and sensitive topic, especially because there are many factors that are out of our control. However, teachers are speaking. They are telling us what they need: more staff, higher compensation, sustainable workloads, etc. While we may not be able to meet all of these requests today, thinking strategically about how we can create change matters. Using tools like Possip that empower teachers to share their voices is one way to gather feedback in order to support our teachers. We are so grateful for all of our teachers!

To review Possip's recent staff trends, please click here!

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Top 20 Reasons we Love and are Grateful for Principals

We love principals. They are our customers, our team members, and educators for our children. It is a tough job. A little bit of everything – entrepreneur, CEO, salesperson, marketing, finance, athletics director, therapist, lawyer, custodian. It has a bit of everything. So it requires high character, leadership, critical thinking, and thick skin! No person is perfect but principals do a lot. Here are just a few of the many reasons we’re grateful for principals, featuring some important Possip Praise.

1. They lead with vision and action.

Principals guide their schools with a clear sense of purpose, ensuring both students and staff are set up for success each day.

2. They make sure our students and staff are safe.

From ensuring security protocols to creating a culture of care, principals work tirelessly to make schools a safe space for everyone.

“Just good to see how involved the principal is. From when the bells rings in the morning to the end of the day especially at pick up time. He is seen always outside be it raining or sunny involved. Ensuring the kids are transporting safely in a timely manner to their cars and or parents.” – Parent at Bell ES

3. They advocate for students.

Principals advocate for students’ best interests, ensuring they receive the academic, social, and emotional support they need to thrive.

*The new Principal is an outstanding addition to KNCP.  She is caring, firm, flexible and knowledgeable regarding students’ education, peer pressure & mental wellness!!!” – Parent at Columbia Valley Elementary School

4. They mentor teachers.

Principals give their time to help teachers grow, providing feedback, offering resources, and encouraging professional development.

“Dr. Clark is a great principal. She is consistent, clear and fair. She is a good communicator. We always know expectations. She has systems and processes in place that allow us to teach to the best of our ability but also that students learn to the best of theirs.” – Educator at Aubrey Middle

5. They foster school spirit.

They come to the volleyball game, buy a cookie at the bake sale, and are at the Friday night football game, cheering alongside students and families.

6. They solve problems.

Whether it’s mediating student conflicts, managing budget constraints, or addressing staffing shortages, principals step in with solutions that benefit everyone.

7. They support parents and families.

Principals often know what families are struggling with and are sensitive to those needs, offering resources or lending a listening ear when times are tough.

“The principal really seems to care for everyone and wants to interact with the parents. For any school events she is always the first person to greet us!” – Parent at Farias ECC

8. They promote equity and inclusion.

In a school of 1,000 students, principals know each student’s name, making everyone feel seen, respected, and included, no matter their background.

“I am very proud of the changes the school has made with kids. The principal and teacher are amazing. The principal especially takes care of the children like they are family and I love it. She treats everyone equally and with love.” – Parent at Highland Heights ES

9. They push for academic excellence.

Principals set high expectations and encourage students and staff to reach their fullest potential through focused academic goals.

10. They show empathy and compassion.

Principals listen when parents have concerns, they understand when a student is going through a rough time, and they respond to challenges with kindness.

11. They encourage innovation.

Whether it’s bringing new technology into the classroom or supporting creative teaching methods, principals motivate teachers and students to think outside the box.

12. They juggle countless responsibilities.

Principals manage everything from budgeting and scheduling to addressing behavioral issues, all while keeping their schools running smoothly.

13. They build strong teams.

Principals cultivate collaboration and trust among staff, ensuring everyone feels like a valued part of the school’s success.

“I must give special recognition to Principal Olson for assembling an amazing team. Her leadership has cultivated a workplace where teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered to give their best to our students.” – An Educator at KIPP Northeast Denver Middle

14. They celebrate achievements.

Whether it’s recognizing a student’s improvement in math or celebrating a teacher’s milestone, principals make sure achievements don’t go unnoticed.

15. They handle crises with grace.

When a sudden snowstorm forces a school closure or an emergency occurs, principals stay calm under pressure, guiding their community through difficult times.

“Praise to the Principal’s quick reaction to threats and timely communication with parents.” – Parent at Bellaire HS

16. They encourage student leadership.

Principals inspire students to take on leadership roles, from being class officers to organizing community service events, helping them develop confidence and responsibility.

17. They nurture a positive school culture.

Principals promote kindness, respect, and inclusion, ensuring the school feels like a welcoming space for students and staff alike.

“My department has brought many concerns to our administration (specifically the principal) this year. Speaking with the principal at BNHS is always inviting and comfortable which makes it much easier for me to be transparent with my concerns.” – Educator at Belvidere North High School Staff

18. They champion lifelong learning.

Principals encourage both students and staff to keep learning and growing, whether through professional development or personal growth opportunities.

19. They provide stability.

In uncertain times, whether during a pandemic or a personal crisis, principals offer reassurance and consistency, providing a stable foundation for their community.

20. Yes. They tolerate all of us.

They deal with parents, kids, and teachers—even when we’re not at our best—offering patience and understanding when emotions run high

Thank you, Principals!

Questions about Possip? Click here!

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Why Principals Matter: 20 Reasons we are Grateful for Principals

We love principals. They are our customers, our team members, and educators for our children.

It is a tough job. A little bit of everything – entrepreneur, CEO, salesperson, marketing, finance, athletics director, therapist, lawyer, custodian. It has a bit of everything. So it requires high character, leadership, critical thinking, and thick skin! 

No person is perfect, but principals do a lot. Here are just a few of the many reasons we’re grateful for principals, featuring some important Possip Praise; and why principals matter.

1. They lead with vision and action.

Principals guide their schools with a clear sense of purpose, ensuring both students and staff are set up for success each day.

2. They make sure our students and staff are safe.

From ensuring security protocols to creating a culture of care, principals work tirelessly to make schools a safe space for everyone.

“Just good to see how involved the principal is. From when the bells rings in the morning to the end of the day especially at pick up time. He is seen always outside be it raining or sunny involved. Ensuring the kids are transporting safely in a timely manner to their cars and or parents.”

—Parent at Bell ES

3. They advocate for students.

They advocate for students’ best interests, ensuring they receive the academic, social, and emotional support they need to thrive.

*The new Principal is an outstanding addition to KNCP. She is caring, firm, flexible and knowledgeable regarding students' education, peer pressure & mental wellness!!!”

—Parent at Columbia Valley Elementary School

4. They mentor teachers.

They give their time to help teachers grow, providing feedback, offering resources, and encouraging professional development.

“Dr. Clark is a great principal. She is consistent, clear and fair. She is a good communicator. We always know expectations. She has systems and processes in place that allow us to teach to the best of our ability but also that students learn to the best of theirs.”

—Educator at Aubrey Middle

5. They foster school spirit.

They come to the volleyball game, buy a cookie at the bake sale, and are at the Friday night football game, cheering alongside students and families.

6. They solve problems.

Whether it’s mediating student conflicts, managing budget constraints, or addressing staffing shortages, principals step in with solutions that benefit everyone.

7. They support parents and families.

Principals often know what families are struggling with and are sensitive to those needs, offering resources or lending a listening ear when times are tough.

“The principal really seems to care for everyone and wants to interact with the parents. For any school events she is always the first person to greet us!”

—Parent at Farias ECC

8. They promote equity and inclusion.

In a school of 1,000 students, they know each student’s name, making everyone feel seen, respected, and included, no matter their background.

“I am very proud of the changes the school has made with kids. The principal and teacher are amazing. The principal especially takes care of the children like they are family and I love it. She treats everyone equally and with love.”

—Parent at Highland Heights ES

9. They push for academic excellence.

Principals set high expectations and encourage students and staff to reach their fullest potential through focused academic goals.

10. They show empathy and compassion.

They listen when parents have concerns, they understand when a student is going through a rough time, and they respond to challenges with kindness.

11. They encourage innovation.

Whether it’s bringing new technology into the classroom or supporting creative teaching methods, principals motivate teachers and students to think outside the box.

12. They juggle countless responsibilities.

They manage everything from budgeting and scheduling to addressing behavioral issues, all while keeping their schools running smoothly.

13. They build strong teams.

From ensuring security protocols to creating a culture of care, principals work tirelessly to make schools a safe space for everyone.

“I must give special recognition to Principal Olson for assembling an amazing team. Her leadership has cultivated a workplace where teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered to give their best to our students.”

—An Educator at KIPP Northeast Denver Middle

14. They celebrate achievements.

Whether it’s recognizing a student’s improvement in math or celebrating a teacher’s milestone, principals make sure achievements don’t go unnoticed.

15. They handle crises with grace.

When a sudden snowstorm forces a school closure or an emergency occurs, principals stay calm under pressure, guiding their community through difficult times.

“Praise to the Principal's quick reaction to threats and timely communication with parents.”

—Parent at Bellaire HS

16. They encourage student leadership.

Principals inspire students to take on leadership roles, from being class officers to organizing community service events, helping them develop confidence and responsibility.

17. They nurture a positive school culture.

They promote kindness, respect, and inclusion, ensuring the school feels like a welcoming space for students and staff alike.

“My department has brought many concerns to our administration (specifically the principal) this year. Speaking with the principal at BNHS is always inviting and comfortable which makes it much easier for me to be transparent with my concerns.”

—Educator at Belvidere North High School Staff

18. They champion lifelong learning.

Principals encourage both students and staff to keep learning and growing, whether through professional development or personal growth opportunities.

19. They provide stability.

In uncertain times, whether during a pandemic or a personal crisis, they offer reassurance and consistency, providing a stable foundation for their community.

20. Yes. They tolerate all of us.

They deal with parents, kids, and teachers—even when we’re not at our best—offering patience and understanding when emotions run high.

Thank you, Principals! 

Click here for fun ideas on showing your support.

Interested in Possip? Get started today!

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20 Student Engagement Ideas for High School and College Students

Table of Contents

• Emphasize Discussion Sessions​
• Personalize Learning Paths
• Rely on Technology​
• Encourage Self- and Community Reflection
• Conclusion

High school and college students have a lot to distract them from school. They have a lot going on! Extracurriculars, college or job applications, and friends take up a lot of time, not to mention older students are navigating levels of independence they were never granted when they were younger. With all this in mind, high school and college instructors must employ specific strategies to ensure their older students are engaged.

Danielle Bernstein, a Possip intern majoring in Human and Organizational Development and Sociology at Vanderbilt University, discusses how instructors can keep their high school and college students engaged.

This past summer, Possip published 60 ideas for how schools can engage parents. While parent engagement is critical throughout a child’s education journey, a student’s own engagement in school, their classes, and their educational development becomes more important as they get older. With more autonomy and independence, students have more of a say within and outside the classroom. Additionally, it can be difficult for instructors to balance the educational needs of every student. To assist college and high school educators, we have compiled a list of 20 resources to boost student engagement!

Emphasize Discussion Sessions

1. Use open-ended questions! This encourages your students to think outside the box and lean on their creative sides. 
2. Think-pair-share. Give students the opportunity to develop their thoughts on their own, share them with a friend, and then deliver their ideas to the class. 
3. Fishbowl discussions. Divide the class into two groups, an inner circle and an outer circle. Have the inner circle discuss the topic while the outer circle observes and takes notes. After a certain time, have the circles switch! This allows every student to participate and encourages them to listen to their peers
4. Host a debate! Whether it’s a science class or a history class, dividing the team into two sides and having them debate a topic can make students passionate and excited about class material. 
5. Four-corners activity. Delineate the four corners of the room as “agree,” “strongly agree,” “disagree,” “strongly disagree.” Then, ask the students open-ended questions and have them walk to whatever corner aligns with their opinion. This encourages students to think critically about their ideas on various topics. 

Personalize Learning Paths

1. Let students pick their testing format when possible. While oftentimes assignments have to be one-size-fits-all, allow students to pick their formats when you can. Some students love presenting, while others prefer to write. Others, regardless of their knowledge of the material, have extreme test anxiety. Letting them choose the format can make them more confident and comfortable. 
2. Allow students to pick their own topics. If you have a general assignment, like a paper on a social movement in the 1970s, give your students the flexibility to choose what social movement they write about. This will ensure they are engaged and passionate about the material. 
3. Give students the option of collaboration or solo work. We all have had negative group project experiences, and some of us have had one too many. Letting these students work alone can reduce their anxiety and improve their productivity. 
4. Provide various options for presentations. Some students are hardcore CANVA fans, while others prefer Powerpoint or Google Slides. Let your students use the technology they’re most familiar with. 
5. Set up a “learning playlist!” Provide students with a list of required and optional assignments, giving students a basic structure while letting them choose additional activities. This offers a sense of control while ensuring core content is covered.

Rely on Technology

1. Don’t ban AI! Your students are likely using ChatGPT, and banning it does not prevent this. Rather, ChatGPT and similar AI technology should be used and encouraged as tools to enhance students’ learning. 
2. Use Learning Management Systems. Applications like Google Classroom and Canvas allow instructors to engage with students easily. 
3. Implement gamified learning platforms. My favorite classes in high school used Kahoot! religiously. Platforms that gamify learning are highly engaging and enjoyable for older students. 
4. Host virtual speakers. Zoom and Teams have made it much easier to host folks who are not the most geographically desirable. 
5. Share your slides before and after class. If you are an instructor who relies on lectures, sharing the slides with your students allows them to download slides beforehand and write their notes on the slides!

Encourage Self- and Community Reflection

1. Provide rubrics for self-assessment. When students have a big assignment due, provide them with a self-assessment. This encourages them to assess their own work and progress. 
2. Utilize reflection journals. Encourage students to journal about their experiences and progress within the course. This makes classroom work much more meaningful and engaging. 
3. Make real-world connections. Remind students why the material is still relevant today. 
4. Provide weekly reflection prompts. My favorite “do nows” when I was a high school student were questions that prompted me to reflect on class material and my experiences in and outside the classroom. Weekly reflections encourage students to think critically about how the material relates to them. 
5. Personal goal-setting. At the beginning of the year or semester, have your students set goals for themselves. This way they progress through the class with specific goals in mind. 

Conclusion

Engaging high school and college students is not an easy task, but by utilizing discussion-based strategies, personalized learning paths, technology tools, and self- and community reflections, instructors can ensure their students remain engaged.

Curious how you can improve classroom engagement? Sign up for a free one-month trial of Possip Pulse Checks here!

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Diverse Holidays

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Consultancy Protocol

My name is Amanda Richards and I work at Possip to lead the Reporting team and help facilitate professional development. I am a former school principal and teacher. I’m here to share a resource that I consistently used to involve community members at my school. 

A few years ago, I was able to attend one of Elena Aguilar’s conferences on her book “The Art of Coaching Teams”

Her focus is to build strong school teams and use the power of people to make collaborative decisions. 

The resource that you’ll go through today is based on Elena Aguilar’s Consultancy Protocol. While I was a principal, I mostly used this with my grade level teacher leaders and our school leadership team. It provides a structured agenda to problem-solve and make decisions with trusted community or team members. 

As a result of using this protocol, I found that it helped my teachers, school leaders, and myself. When we are able to hear more voices and perspectives it leads to more equitable decision-making for everyone.

I hope you find this group work time helpful and you’re able to use this tangible tool. 

Consultancy Protocol Steps

While you’re walking through these steps, make sure to check out this resource you can use as well!

1. Firstly, a presenter prepares a dilemma or decision for the consultancy meeting.
2. The first part of the meeting, the Presenter shares the dilemma or decision verbally or through artifacts like data, emails, or other information. The Presenter can ask for feedback or input on one key question or decision.
3. Group asks the presenter clarifying questions that require yes–no or short answers only so everyone can get clarity on the decision or dilemma efficiently.
4. The group silently reflects on the presenter’s dilemma or decision and prepares for discussion.
5. Next, there’s a Group Fishbowl Discussion where the Presenter doesn’t participate and just take notes. In the discussion, group members can ask probing questions, share insights they gained, and voice any other ideas or reflections they came up with.
6. The presenter takes One Minute of Silence to reflect and share their takeaway with the group.
7. Lastly, the Presenter shares any reactions, insights, or next steps they want to take based on the community input during the consultancy. 
   

Resource: 

• Click the image below to access Possip’s exclusive Equitable Decision Making Framework Worksheet

Interested in a Free Trial of Possip? Let's Chat!

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The Transformative Power of Gratitude: 5 Practices to Start This Holiday Season

The original version of this blog was published in November 2021 and has since been updated.

Last year around this time, I wrote a blog on some gratitude strategies for teachers and students to use inside and outside of the classroom. Even though a year has now passed, the importance of finding thankfulness and building intentional gratefulness still feels like a big need. Thankfulness has been proven to improve relationships, increase work motivation, and improve your overall health. Knowing all that, I will definitely take an extra scoop of gratitude on my mashed potatoes this holiday season! 

But seriously, how can we continue to do small things each day to feel more thankful. By beginning to practice intentional gratitude will be key to lifelong “happiness” habits.

Here are Five Strategies to Try Out This Holiday Season:

1. Be present and appreciate the little things 
2. Seeing challenges as opportunities
3. Be intentional about your inputs 
4. Celebrate and encourage positive self talk 
5. Spend time with loved ones and do things you love

1. Be Present and Appreciate the Little Things

Being grateful in your day-to-day situations can actually create something psychology calls “positive memory bias” that allows you to recall positive memories more frequently throughout life. Set alarms for “gratitude moments” during your day, leave sticky notes around your house or in your car as a reminder to find something you’re thankful for today or find an accountability buddy for gratitude to text throughout the day. Whatever works for you, it can help to remind yourself to be present, appreciate the little things, and start building gratitude “muscle memory”. 

2. Seeing Challenges as Opportunities

A psychology term called “benefit finding” refers to the process of mentally listing out all of the positive things associated with a challenge. Research has found that some people find a greater appreciation for their own personal strength, increase feelings of self-reliance, strengthen relationships, have more compassion, or find new spiritual beliefs. Try to focus on and intentionally pick out the “benefits” you have encountered during this challenging time. 

3. Be Intentional About Your Inputs

Personally, any time I watch a dark or negatively emotional tv show, my whole day is thrown off. Once the evening finds me, I find it hard to fall asleep. Being intentional about what you are watching, reading, listening to, and “taking in” can help keep positive and grateful emotions flowing. For me, The Science of Happiness podcast is always a positive “input” and I learn more about topics like gratitude. Here are a few more podcasts you may want to add to your “Gratitude Input List” this holiday season!

4. Positive Self Talk

Most times, you are your biggest critic. I know I can relate! Make sure to keep the inner thoughts you have positive and realize when those thoughts become negative. When we keep our thoughts about ourselves positive, that positive self-talk can spark gratitude towards other things in our life. As you become aware of your internal monologue, find a few specific questions to ask yourself:

• Are my thoughts positive right now?
• What is one good thing about my current situation?
• What helpful things did I learn from this situation?
• How can I bring joy to this situation?

Use one of these questions or find another question that you connect with to ask yourself throughout the day. Positive self-talk will not only make you feel more grateful, but it will also decrease stress and improve your immune system. 

5. Spend Time with Loved Ones and Doing Things You Love

Prioritize finding things you enjoy doing. Never give up the quality time strengthening relationships with family and close friends. Research shows that social support and spending time with loved ones can lower stress, improve recovery time for illnesses, and positively benefit your overall mood.

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All these benefits of gratitude make me grateful for gratitude! And Possip is grateful for YOU! We hope you all have success in finding thankfulness this holiday season! 

Want more ideas on how to show thanks? Check out our gift ideas for teachers!

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