Whats the biggest challenge in keeping good teachers? Is it salary?
No, I wouldn’t say it is the biggest issue. Teachers come in, and some have not had the experience of working in urban schools. A good education, knowledge of contents, and good pedagogy is not enough. They need to understand our students, get to know them, understand their interests and backgrounds, which is in many cases going to be different than their own. Some rush to the challenge, and others realize that it just isn’t for them. This is tough work. It is not for everyone. The second is the culture within in a building. There needs to be respect, and there needs to be a sense of safety. And when we don’t have that, it’s in those schools where we see good teachers opting out. Teaching has changed so much. Teachers in an urban district like this one are advisors, counselors, coaches, parents: they are expected to fill so many roles. They often have to step into and become familiar with what is happening in the home, and while they may want to help that student, some things are out o
