The Magic Is Not Magic–It’s

Intentional

The population of new-to-profession teachers is growing every year, and due to the challenges of being a new teacher, coupled with the challenges of society, retaining teachers is an even greater challenge. If we want to be successful at not only retaining teachers, but growing them, leaders must be intentional in their efforts to develop each teacher’s competence and confidence with the best and most precise dosage of professional learning. The 3 Magic Prescriptions are not curealls. They only work when we, leaders, are intentional and persistent in prescribing the best professional learning to our teachers. When our work with teachers is implemented with fidelity, teacher retention transitions from a lofty goal to an absolute certainty. ■

Bonus Secret! from “Eight Secrets to Excellence in Every School”

Systems of professional learning ensure excellence in all classrooms.

Former school principal and superintendent John Wink is currently an educational consultant on school success and a presenter for Solution Tree. Since starting his work with school districts in Arkansas and Texas, Mr. Wink has a successful record of leading school success initiatives.

In order for learning expectations to be achieved, great leaders realize that there will inherently be learning gaps for every adult in the building; therefore, every learning expectation is accompanied by a professional learning expectation for the adults in the building. Professional learning is not an event for a day or two in the summer and sporadically throughout the school year. It is a 24/7/365 endeavor. Great leaders make continuous efforts to train their followers in face-to-face or virtual environments, synchronous or asynchronous events, weekly communications via email, and daily interactions with all stakeholders. Great leaders remember that they are great teachers of teaching first.