Feature Facts: March 2024

LEADING FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

Among all the things school leaders look forward to in spring, hiring new staff might be one that brings the most challenging mix of anticipation and concern, especially with staff shortages. In this month’s roundtable discussion, three school leaders share how they are handling staffing for next year. They include Derek Bellow, the principal of Liberty High School in Las Vegas, NV, and the 2023 Nevada Principal of the Year; Sham Bevel, the principal of Bayside Sixth Grade Campus in Virginia Beach, VA, and the 2023 Virginia Principal of the Year; and Jacob Feldmann, the principal of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, IA, and the 2023 Iowa Principal of the Year.

FIVE TIPS FOR TEACHER RETENTION

It’s more important than ever that school leaders retain their best teachers. Todd Whitaker, a professor of educational leadership at the University of Missouri and professor emeritus at Indiana State University, offers five ideas for school leaders to keep in mind:
• Remember that while people always look to leaders, in times of crisis they stare.
• Leadership is not “getting out of the way.”
• Leadership is not an event.
• Compliment your staff.
• Understand the importance of your best people.

ONE PRINCIPAL’S APPROACH TO SUCCESSFUL RECRUITMENT

Like many schools across the country, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, in Washington, D.C., has experienced challenges with recruiting enough teachers to fill its classrooms, especially since the pandemic. Long-time Principal and NASSP Board Member Anita Berger shares what has worked for her:

• When you know there’s going to be an opening, start recruiting right away.
• Look at alumni because they know the school and make excellent teachers.
• International teachers can be another good source of high-quality candidates.
• Work with your school district office so they know what kind of candidates you are looking for who fit your school’s mission.

STRENGTHENING STUDENT LEADERSHIP

In January, NASSP announced that NatStuCo would become the National Association of Student Councils (NASC). This change is part of NASSP’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of student leaders. As part of this transformation, NASSP is launching two new programs. The first one is a scholarship for students who participate in student council. NASSP will award a total of $100,000 to 80 students in the program at NASC member schools. The second program is the National Student Council. This body will consist of students from NASC member schools who will be elected and selected to serve on it. Tyler Dashner, NASSP’s managing director of growth strategy, and Ann Postlewaite, NASSP’s director of community, discuss these new and exciting changes.