Teaching & Learning

PRINCIPAL'S ROLE:

The positive impact of a leader who creates a caring learning community focused on student success is evident to all, including beginning teachers. Research reveals that inadequate support from school administration is one of the three most often reported causes of a new teacher’s decision to leave the profession (Richard Ingersoll). Susan M. Johnson’s and Sarah Birkeland’s study “Project on the Next Generation of Teachers” reports: “If given the choice between a school where they could earn a significantly higher salary and one with better working conditions, teachers would choose the school with better working conditions by a margin of 3 to 1.” Principals who are knowledgeable about the issues affecting new teachers, proactive in supporting them, and committed to professional growth do make a significant difference.  Read more in this article.