Teacher retention emerged as a critical topic during the Maryland Department of Education's Blueprint Special Education Workgroup meeting on March 20, 2024. Participants highlighted alarming trends showing that teachers are leaving the profession earlier than ever, with many departing before their third year. This raises concerns about whether new educators feel adequately prepared and supported in their roles.

Dr. Hittman initiated the discussion by emphasizing the need for robust induction and mentoring programs for new teachers. He pointed out that teaching is a complex profession, and expecting teachers to excel from day one is unrealistic. "We should be anticipating that and figuring out how to support those early career teachers," he stated, urging for a more structured approach to mentorship.

In response, a participant suggested that addressing the current state of teacher retention should take precedence over merely focusing on new teacher training. They proposed a roundtable discussion involving teachers and central office staff to openly address the challenges within the school system. "Teachers want a down and dirty, let's talk about the elephant in the room," they said, advocating for transparency and accountability in discussions about workload and support.

The conversation also touched on the redistribution of administrative tasks among staff to alleviate the burden on overworked teachers. The participant argued that general education teachers should not be solely responsible for documentation related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and suggested that these tasks could be reassigned to other team members.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for open communication and collaborative problem-solving to improve teacher retention and support within Maryland's education system. As the workgroup moves forward, the focus will remain on fostering an environment where teachers feel valued and equipped to succeed in their roles.