What initial step should a new leader take to support probationary teachers experiencing high turnover?

Conducting exit interviews with those who left is crucial for a new leader who wants to support probationary teachers experiencing high turnover. Exit interviews provide firsthand insights into the reasons behind the teachers' decisions to leave. This qualitative data can uncover patterns related to job satisfaction, administrative support, workload, workplace culture, professional development opportunities, and other critical factors that may be influencing turnover.

Understanding these factors is essential for implementing targeted support measures to enhance the retention of new teachers. By addressing specific concerns expressed during these interviews, a leader can develop strategies to foster a more supportive environment, thereby potentially reducing turnover rates among probationary teachers.

Other options may provide helpful information but do not directly address the immediate concerns of turnover. For example, surveying permanent staff may yield insights but focuses on past experiences rather than current issues. Reviewing literature on new teacher support is valuable for understanding best practices but lacks the specificity needed to address the unique challenges faced by the current cohort. Distributing a survey to parents might obtain feedback on external perceptions of the school, yet it would not directly identify the root causes of teacher turnover within the faculty. Therefore, exit interviews stand out as the most effective initial step a new leader can take.