Teacher panel shares secrets to recruitment, retention
Educators discuss why they chose HISD and why they stay
Retaining top teacher talent is a key priority for HISD. But what makes a teacher chose us over other districts and what conditions must HISD leaders and school communities create to make them stay? Four members of HISD’s teacher corps, all with varying levels of experience, were recently invited to share their thoughts with district and school leaders at the April 6 Principals Meeting.
The group included Chavez High School teacher Christina Salazar, Michael Judge from Thomas Middle School, Herrera Elementary School teacher Ken Benavente, and Rachel Herold from Oak Forest Elementary. Several common themes emerged when each was asked about teacher recruitment and retention at HISD.
What made them choose HISD over another school district?
- Social media postings by school and teachers painted picture of a place they wanted to work at
- Competitive salary
- Strong connection during the in-person interview process with principal or leadership team that demonstrated the culture of the school and what is valued
- Opportunities for growth and development
- Regular and consistent opportunities to collaborate with other teachers on campus
What makes them stay at their school?
- Freedom to try new things and out-of-the box ideas without fear of being reprimanded
- Strong campus leadership and support
- Collaborative environment
- Strong team of fellow teachers who truly want to make a difference in the lives of children
- Opportunities for growth and development
- Strong school culture
To watch a video of the entire panel discussion, click here.
