Teacher attrition, the issue of teachers leaving their jobs, has become increasingly complex, influenced by a variety of factors. By the end of the 2021-2022 school year, the rate of teachers quitting had risen by 4% compared to pre-pandemic levels, reaching 10% nationwide. Similarly, the turnover rate for principals also increased, reaching 16% as the 2022-2023 school year began.
In this resource, David Franklin, founder of The Principal’s Desk, delves into the underlying causes of this trend and offers practical strategies for school leaders to address and reduce teacher burnout. His insights provide a roadmap for creating a more supportive and sustainable school environment.
Understanding the concept of teacher burnout is the first step in addressing this critical issue. Let’s explore what teacher burnout really means and the factors that contribute to it.
What is teacher burnout and what causes it?
Teacher burnout refers to the state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that educators may experience due to prolonged stress and frustration in their professional environment. This often leads to a decrease in their performance and satisfaction, eventually causing some teachers to leave the profession.
Several key issues contribute to higher levels of teacher burnout and attrition:
- Ineffective communication channels within educational institutions can lead to misunderstandings between teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders. A lack of clear communication about expectations, policies, and support mechanisms can create a sense of isolation for teachers, making it difficult for them to navigate challenges or access necessary resources.
- A toxic or unsupportive school culture can be a major deterrent for teachers. If there is a lack of collaboration, trust, or positive relationships among staff members, it can create a negative work environment that diminishes job satisfaction and professional fulfillment. Teachers thrive in environments where they feel valued, respected, and part of a collaborative community. Improving communication channels and fostering a positive school culture are crucial steps in addressing teacher attrition and promoting a more sustainable and rewarding teaching profession.
Recognizing the factors that lead to teacher burnout points us towards the importance of leadership in creating a positive school environment. Visible leadership is a key strategy in this regard, directly impacting the well-being of teachers and the school culture. Let’s examine the role of visible leadership in reducing teacher burnout and how you can effectively embody this leadership style.
What does it mean to be a visible leader and how can you be one?
Communication and culture issues arise when administrators are not present. It is important that school leaders are seen across campus and not just in their offices. Here are a few places school leaders need to be seen:
- The parking lot: Never underestimate the importance of welcoming teachers, parents, and students when they arrive in the morning. Many issues can get resolved first thing in the morning rather than having them stew all day long.
- Classrooms: It is important that school leaders get into classrooms as much as possible. A good rule of thumb is every classroom, once a week. This shows both teachers and students that you are there to observe the learning and to document all of the wonderful things happening on that day. This is not a time for evaluation.
- Cafeteria: The cafeteria is a great place to observe students and to create stronger relationships with them.
- Hallways: Walking through the hallways during passing periods, as well as before and after school gives school leaders the opportunity to say hello to teachers, staff members and students.
While being a visible leader is crucial, it’s only part of the equation. The next step involves actively improving communication and nurturing a strong school culture.
What can we do to improve communication and enhance school culture?
Here are 10 changes a school leader can make to communicate better and improve the culture of their school:
- Open and transparent communication: Foster a culture of openness and transparency by regularly sharing information about school policies, decisions, and initiatives. Clearly communicate the school’s mission, vision, and goals, and involve staff members in decision-making processes whenever possible.
- Active listening: Demonstrate a commitment to understanding the concerns and perspectives of teachers, staff, and other stakeholders. Actively listen to their feedback, address their needs, and show that their input is valued. This helps build trust and a sense of collaboration.
- Clear expectations: Clearly communicate expectations for both academic and behavioral standards. When expectations are well-defined, teachers and staff are more likely to align their efforts, contributing to a positive and focused school culture.
- Celebrate successes: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of students, teachers, and staff. Highlighting success stories fosters a positive atmosphere and motivates individuals to continue striving for excellence.
- Regular professional development: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities and communicate the value of continuous learning. When educators feel supported in their professional growth, it contributes to a culture of innovation and improvement.
- Team building activities: Organize team-building activities and events that encourage positive interactions among staff members. This can help strengthen relationships, improve morale, and create a more cohesive school community.
- Regular meetings and check-ins: Schedule regular meetings with staff to discuss important issues, share updates, and gather feedback. This facilitates open lines of communication and ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the direction and priorities of the school.
- Utilize multiple communication channels: Employ a variety of communication channels, such as newsletters, emails, social media, and face-to-face interactions, to ensure that information reaches all stakeholders. Tailor the communication method to the nature and urgency of the message.
- Conflict resolution: Address conflicts promptly and constructively. Provide a platform for resolving conflicts through open dialogue and mediation, fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
- Cultivate positive language and tone: Choose positive and affirming language when communicating with staff. Encourage a culture where feedback is constructive and where challenges are approached with a solution-oriented mindset.
What is the difference between climate and culture?
A negative or toxic school culture is one of the leading causes of teacher burnout and attrition. To change the culture of a school, it is important to understand the difference between climate and culture.
Climate and culture, though related, refer to distinct aspects of school.
Culture:
- Definition: Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms that characterize an organization. It encompasses the underlying assumptions and principles that guide decision-making, interactions, and the overall atmosphere within the organization.
- Characteristics: Culture is often deeply ingrained and evolves over time. It influences how people in the organization think, feel, and behave. A positive organizational culture promotes a sense of identity, belonging, and shared purpose among its members.
Climate:
- Definition: Climate, on the other hand, refers to the observable and measurable aspects of the organization, including the attitudes, perceptions, and practices of its members. It reflects the current state of the organization and is more immediate and subject to change than culture.
- Characteristics: Climate is influenced by various factors, such as leadership styles, communication patterns, and the physical environment. It is the overall “feel” or mood within the organization at a given point in time. A positive organizational climate contributes to a healthy, supportive, and productive work environment.
In the context of a school:
- School Culture: Encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and traditions that shape the identity of the school. It influences the way teachers, students, and administrators interact and work together. A positive school culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and a sense of community.
- School Climate: Reflects the current atmosphere within the school and is influenced by daily interactions, communication, and the overall mood. A positive school climate promotes a sense of safety, respect, and engagement among students and staff.
[Downloadable checklist] What to look for when improving your school culture?
[Podcast] David Franklin on School Leaders Project
In a special episode of the School Leaders Project podcast by Toddle, David Franklin joins Cindy Blackburn to discuss the themes of this article in greater depth. They cover more anecdotes and practical examples from David’s experience as a school leader.
