Teacher Roberts highlights retention strategies at Topeka Public Schools meeting

During a recent meeting of the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education, significant discussions centered around teacher retention and engagement, highlighting the district's commitment to improving the educational environment for both staff and students. The meeting featured insights from Kelly Roberts, a fifth-grade teacher at Scott Dual Language Magnet, who shared her experiences with the Champions Group, a team focused on addressing teacher concerns.

Roberts emphasized her passion for teacher retention, noting that many educators are leaving the profession entirely, which poses a challenge for maintaining quality education. She expressed her dedication to finding solutions that would help retain teachers and foster a supportive work environment. Her involvement in the Champions Group stemmed from a desire to contribute positively to the district she loves, despite commuting from Lawrence.

The Champions Group has been actively analyzing data from previous focus groups to identify key areas affecting teacher engagement. They have established three main focus areas: communication, professional development, and student behavior and mental health. Roberts specifically worked on improving communication within the district, gathering feedback from principals on their communication practices with staff.

The meeting also addressed feedback from new teachers and those in their fourth to eleventh years of teaching. Key takeaways included the need for refined onboarding practices, effective mentoring programs, and relevant professional development tailored to the needs of both new and experienced teachers. The district aims to ensure that teachers feel connected to their mentors and supported by administrators, which is crucial for fostering a positive work-life balance.

Board members raised questions about the barriers to creating actionable goals within the Champions Group, with time constraints being a significant factor. The ongoing efforts are part of a broader initiative to respond to findings from the EPIC survey, which investigates why teachers leave the profession. The next steps involve finalizing goal statements and action items, with the hope of implementing changes before the end of the school year.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored Topeka Public Schools' proactive approach to addressing teacher retention and engagement, reflecting a commitment to creating a supportive and effective educational environment. As the district continues to gather feedback and refine its strategies, the focus remains on enhancing the experience for both teachers and students alike.