Dealing with Staff Turnover: Systems That Make Schools More Resilient in Times of Change

Staff turnover is the most pressing issue facing school leaders today. Unfortunately, everyday administrators have a limited arsenal of weapons with which to fight turnover, And yet, fight they must. School leaders must not only onboard high numbers of new staff, but also maintain their programs, policies, and procedures in the face of turnover. New teachers aren’t the only ones needing coherent, on-demand systems. Even veterans cite lack of institutional support as a factor in their departure; they deplore constant changes in practices, unpredictable responses from leaders, and opaque processes for would-be simple tasks. Clear, consistent systems are an administrator’s best response to turnover, and they help leaders maintain standards across an organization. Clean systems ease teachers’ burdens by saving time and providing stability. The benefit to leaders, moreover, is obvious: well-maintained systems generate more faithful implementation. Dealing With Staff Turnover: Systems that Make Schools More Resilient in Times of Change lays out a process for organizing, publishing, and promoting systems. It explains how to frame and embed them into teachers’ practice. It is a manual for those with boots on the ground who want to survive this period of high turnover while maintaining consistent practices.

Elizabeth Dampf has served as an administrator in the Chicagoland area for over a decade. Her articles have been featured in ASCD’s publication, Educational Leadership, as well as Learning Forward’s The Learning Professional. She has also appeared on several podcasts, including ASCD Connect, Leaning Into Leadership, Anchored in Education, and Principal Liner Notes. She and her husband enjoy food, culture, and travel.