What should a school leader implement first to address high teacher turnover?

Implementing a survey to assess teachers' job satisfaction is a crucial first step in addressing high teacher turnover. This approach allows a school leader to gather direct feedback from staff about their experiences, challenges, and needs within the school environment. By understanding the specific factors that contribute to dissatisfaction—whether they relate to workload, administrative support, professional development opportunities, or other concerns—the leader gains valuable insights that inform a targeted response.

This data-driven approach is essential for making informed decisions on how to improve teacher retention. If a leader jumps to proposing salary increases, offering bonuses, or providing mentors without first understanding the root causes of turnover, these measures may not effectively address the underlying issues.

Moreover, having a solid understanding of teacher sentiments establishes a foundation for subsequent initiatives, ensuring that any interventions are aligned with the actual needs of the staff. Overall, prioritizing the survey equips the school leader with the necessary information to foster a supportive and engaging work environment, ultimately helping to reduce turnover rates.