Supporting New Teachers

What are you doing to sustain new teachers? Fifty percent of new teachers leave within the first five years of teaching. Why? Surveys cite paperwork, discipline, communication, and feelings of isolation. But exiting teachers say lack of support from the administration, specifically the principal, causes them to leave the profession. Today's educational landscape requires administrators to balance management and instructional leadership. While many understand management, creating a supportive environment that builds capacity and fosters positive communication isn't so intuitive. This guide provides leaders with realistic and simple-to-implement strategies that support new teachers. Every chapter includes: Stories From the Field -- features common challenges and practical strategies Administrator's Role -- frames solutions within job function, current trends, and research-based practices Self-Reflection -- guides action planning with checklists and worksheets If leadership makes the difference in keeping new talent, get this guide to stop the new teacher exodus. 'Lynn Howard reinforces the fact that what we do every day to support teachers, specifically new teachers, impacts student learning. The self-reflection questions in each chapter provide an opportunity to honestly reflect on current practices as an instructional leader. Building on your own individual strengths and challenges in providing new staff support through self-reflection will provide the tools for the development of a realistic plan of action to support, develop, and retain new teachers.' Dr. Lena Marie Rockwood, Assistant Principal at Rumney Marsh Academy Revere Public Schools, Massachusetts 'I wish I had this book my first year as an Assistant Principal.' Lisa Parker, First Year Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal of the Year Bertie County Schools, NC