In Retention for a Change, we give precise strategies for motivating, inspiring, and energizing a staff. The goal is to make your school a place of success for everyone. Teacher retention is a huge issue that continues to grow, and we believe that this book is one-of-a-kind in that it tackles a tough topic with practical solutions.
Dr. Joseph Jones is the Superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District in Delaware. Joe is a former high school social studies teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Dr. Salome Thomas-EL has been a teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE since 1987. He is currently the Head of School at Thomas Edison Public Charter School in Wilmington, DE. Dr. Thomas J. Vari is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District in Delaware. He is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high school English teacher and department chair.
Foreword by Starr Sackstein Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Retaining Your Best Teachers Pembroke High School Chapter One: Learning to Lift The Retention Accelerators The Right Resources Career Development Deeper Dive: Teacher Titles, Pay Scales, and Micro-Credentialing Chapter One Guiding Questions Chapter Two: Intrinsic Empowerment Practitioner Spotlight: Amy Fast Motivation at Work Discretionary Effort Celebrations Technical Tip: A Model for Specific Praise Chapter Two Guiding Questions Chapter Three: Dealing with the Depths of Despair Practitioner Spotlight: Basil Marin Inspiration at Work Happiness Purpose Technical Tip: Dogs and Lizards and Monkeys, Oh, My! Chapter Three Guiding Questions Chapter Four: Talent + Enthusiasm Practitioner Spotlight: Jessica Grant Energy at Work Delegation Modeling Technical Tip: OWN IT Chapter Four Guiding Questions Chapter Five: Accelerated Acclimation for New Teachers New Hire Support Onboarding Day One Leadership Team Activity--Accelerated School Acclimation Program (A.S.A.P.) Standing Out--What Ownership Looks Like in Action--Angela Socorso Chapter Five Guiding Questions Chapter Six: Quality Mentors Mentoring Programs Assigning the Right People Ongoing Support Leadership Team Activity--Mentoring Teams Standing Out--What Commitment Looks Like in Action--Candice Inniss Chapter Six Guiding Questions Chapter Seven: Conclusion--Cultivating a Membership Mentality
Every good educational leader recognizes that a school is only as good as the teachers who work there. Building a Winning Team is indeed, mission critical. But as Jones, Vari, and Thomas-EL remind us, "sustaining a winning team" is essential for our schools to thrive. That's why this new book is so important. These authors draw upon research, the wisdom of practitioners in the field, as well as their own experiences to provide "critical tips and tools" for building the type of culture that not just attracts talented educators, but keeps them. Retention for a Change is not only for administrators, though; it's for any educator who wants to be part of the solution -- anyone who wants to contribute to school cultures that energize and inspire. -- Danny Steele, educator, author,"Essential Truths for Principals", and speaker Retention for a Change is a practical guide to help school leaders with teachers who are either new to teaching or just new to the school. The book focuses on practitioners who use motivation, inspiration, and energy to build a culture in their schools that will retain novice teachers and new teachers to their buildings. Within the book, there are Technical Tips, Leadership Team Activities, and Guiding Questions for leaders to develop plans to transform their schools. It's a dream! -- Evelyn Edney, principal, early college high school, Delaware State University Building a strong team does not happen by accident. Amazing educators across the country pour their hearts and souls into helping their students each and every day. Retaining those amazing educators is important to our profession. As leaders, we need to make sure our teams feel valued. Talk to them, show them your appreciation and most of all, let them know you are there to support them every step of the way! -- Tara Desiderio, principal, Wescosville Elementary School Retention for a Change is the book that leaders have been waiting to read to find the recipe for changing their school cultures. Attracting talented staff is a challenge for many school and district leaders, but retaining and supporting those staff members is one of our biggest obstacles. In this book, the authors have given us the tools to inspire, motivate, and energize our teams to new levels of commitment and success. I am sure they will inspire you. -- Neil Gupta, school district leader; national speaker; serves on the Board of Directors for ASCD Once again, Joe, T.J., and Salome have written another great book! Their ability to address major issues in a practical manner is both refreshing and appreciated. As a superintendent, one of my responsibilities is to find and retain talented people in our district. This book provides great content and strategies that are applicable for all school leaders. Take the next step to improving your district and make Retention for a Change your next read. -- Anthony V. Dent, superintendent, Medford Lakes School District
