Supporting Teachers to Stay: What We Can Do for Retention
April 08, 2026
Teacher retention is the most burning issue in education today.
We often talk about why teachers leave. Burnout, lack of support and low pay all play a role.
But we also need to focus on what can be done to help teachers stay. Low performing schools almost universally have the same issue: constant teacher turnover. Keeping great educators in the classroom isn’t just good for schools; it’s essential for student success.
H3: Support
First and foremost, teachers need to feel supported. This goes beyond appreciation days.
Ongoing mentorship and opportunities for collaboration provide support. New teachers, especially, benefit from consistent mentorship.
Professional development that addresses why teachers are leaving. Learning about classroom management, how to form a working relationship with parents and time balance all help keep teachers in the classroom.
Workload
Workload plays a large role. Teaching doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Unfortunately, the myth of the three-month summer break and a 2:30 end of workday persists.
The pressure of grading, planning and responding to parents often extends late into the evening. Schools and districts can help by reducing unnecessary overload, protecting planning time and reducing administrative tasks.
Professional Development
Professional development and growth are also key.
I am a firm believer that all teachers want to be great! We want to continue learning and improving, but we also want our voices to be heard.
Offering leadership opportunities, a voice in decision-making, room to experiment and fail, trusting they are the professionals in the room, and creating space for innovation make educators feel valued and invested.
Compensation
And yes, compensation matters.
As teachers, we are led to believe that talking about compensation is dirty and shameful. Competitive salaries, meaningful benefits and recognition of experience are all essential if we want teaching to be seen and respected as a long-term career. Young teachers are leaving and job-hopping in droves because they simply can’t afford to stay in the classroom.
Ultimately, teacher retention isn’t about one big fix — it’s about creating a culture where educators feel respected, supported and inspired to stay — and oh, yeah — can afford to live off their salary. When we invest in our teachers, we invest in our future.
2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year Corey Rosser is a social studies teacher at Quest High School in North Branch Area Schools in his 22nd year of teaching.