Philadelphia Talent Coalition releases strategies on how to increase teacher retention
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The Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition released a comprehensive report offering strategic solutions to tackle the critical issues of teacher retention and diversity in Philadelphia’s district and charter schools. Despite notable progress, the urgent need to accelerate efforts to retain newer teachers and teachers of color remains a priority for schools across the city.
The report highlights the alarming trends of teacher attrition in Philadelphia, particularly among BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) teachers and newer educators. With only 35% of the teacher workforce identifying as people of color—compared to 86% of the student population—schools face a significant challenge in building a more representative and effective teaching force. Further compounding the issue, newer teachers and teachers of color are leaving the profession at higher rates than their counterparts.
The Citywide Talent Coalition has developed a “Teacher Retention Toolbox” with four key strategies to help schools retain their most vulnerable teachers. The strategies are:
- Boost New Teacher Salaries & Financial Incentives: Raise salaries and offer bonuses, loan forgiveness, and certification reimbursements to attract and retain teachers.
- Modernize the Profession: Create a dynamic workplace environment that offers teachers opportunities for leadership, team-based structures, and utilizes cutting-edge technologies.
- Enhance Professional Supports: Provide targeted training, mentoring, and coaching to help teachers meet the challenges of educating students in under-resourced communities.
- Create Inclusive School Cultures: Support school leaders to build school cultures that are welcoming and supportive, particularly for teachers of color, through affinity groups and peer networks.