Instructional Insights

"Retention Is Our New Recruitment" Arkansas Education Leader Takes the Stage at NIET Summer Institute

Submitted by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

At the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Summer Institute this June, state, district, and teacher leaders came together to share insights on key issues in education. A standout panel at the event featured Karli Saracini, former Assistant Commissioner of Educator Effectiveness & Licensure at the Arkansas Department of Education and current NIET Executivein-Residence. Moderated by NIET CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett, the panel focused on teacher retention, professional pathways, and leader development. Saracini opened with a powerful message: “In Arkansas, retention is our new recruitment.”

How has Arkansas helped improve educational opportunities? “Our approach was to focus on three things: Bringing up base pay to $50,000, which was our focus on attracting teachers. We then focused on merit pay at the state level through legislation to incentivize our teachers to stay in the classroom. Third, we ensured there was a purpose for our career to continue. We want teachers to not only master their content but also lead other educators. Building capacity, establishing a career continuum through designations like our partnership with NIET, and providing compensation are key opportunities we provide as a state.”

How has Arkansas helped improve educational practices? “Our career continuum pathways, which are provided through a partnership with NIET, allow teachers to stay in the classroom while growing professionally. The Master Educator Pathway emphasizes content mastery, while the Lead Educator Pathway develops coaching and leadership skills. There is a real need for that Master and Lead Designation, and they are supporting our leaders in meeting the needs of teachers at different levels.”

After years at the Arkansas Department of Education, Saracini continues to make an impact in education - and that impact still hits home. Her work will continue to foster support and excellence in Arkansas education through NIET. “Sustaining and building new partnerships will directly inform my work with NIET as we enhance and improve leadership development across Arkansas,” Saracini said. “It is essential for this partnership between ADE and NIET to continue to grow and expand to build the capacity across the state for both Master and Lead Designated Professionals to meet the needs of all our districts.”

*Responses have been edited for clarity