Passionate, competent teachers are essential to accomplishing a preschool's mission, and teacher tenure at a school can help them make a bigger impact. However, one common challenge directors face is retaining teachers long term.
Teacher turnover can occur for a variety of reasons, and yes, sometimes it's simply out of a director's control. What is in your control is making teachers feel appreciated, creating a positive workplace culture, and giving them the resources and support necessary to succeed. Consider these simple ideas for accomplishing these goals.
Teacher appreciation
Teacher Appreciation Day is May 8. Directors can use this day to make all their teachers feel special by catering lunch, writing thoughtful thank-you cards and surprising them with small gifts. You might even create an art project that students can sign that includes their favorite things about their teachers.
Teacher bios
Teachers are the lifeblood of the school and deserve their own page on the school's website. This not only makes them feel appreciated but also is a great way to inform potential families about the fabulous education students receive. Update info and photographs annually using the complimentary photos provided by Lifetouch.
Teacher of the month
Honoring teachers throughout the year is a great way to make them feel special. Choose the right cadence for your school and figure out the parameters for selection. You may even reach out to families and have them nominate who they feel earns the distinction. Then send out the announcement including the teacher's head shot and the reasons they won. This effort will warm the heart of any teacher.
Cultivate collaboration
Collaboration is essential for teachers to feel supported in their daily work. Ensure that teachers have opportunities to collaborate through meetings, partnerships and educational opportunities. For new teachers, a mentorship program is a huge support. Ultimately, teachers need to feel their team has their back.
Improve work environments
Obviously financial considerations are top of mind, but it's important to earmark some funds for optimizing teachers' environments. The best way to do this is to simply ask. Perhaps changing part of their classroom would make teaching easier, or, maybe the break room could use a little update. Prioritize and do what you can.
Maintain an open door
Teachers want to be heard. They want to feel comfortable sharing both the good and the bad. It's up to the director to create a culture where speaking up is OK. This means keeping an open-door policy and stressing no idea is a bad idea. Whether it's to vent or to come up with a creative solution to a problem, you should always be open to a meeting.
Passionate, competent teachers are essential to accomplishing a preschool's mission, and teacher tenure at a school can help them make a bigger impact. However, one common challenge directors face is retaining teachers long term.