The challenge of finding and keeping exceptional educators has emerged as a critical priority in independent schools. Recent SAIS pulse surveys reveal that over half of heads of school and 44% of division heads identify staff recruitment and retention as one of their most pressing concerns.
In response, this month’s What’s Essential offers a comprehensive toolkit for school leaders. We’ve curated proven retention strategies from both educational and broader professional contexts, with special attention to bridging generational differences among faculty and staff. To help you evaluate your current approach, we’ve included a practical self-assessment tool that allows you to benchmark your existing practices and track progress.
The second section provides concrete resources for one of the most crucial aspects of retention: effective feedback. You’ll find detailed templates and strategies for delivering meaningful feedback that strengthens professional relationships and promotes growth.
Effective feedback is a cornerstone of professional growth, yet it remains a challenge for many school leaders. While conversations about areas for improvement can feel uncomfortable for both parties, skillfully delivered feedback is essential for building strong teams and fostering excellence in teaching and learning.
Recent SAIS pulse surveys highlight this challenge: 41% of division and academic leaders express a desire to strengthen their skills in conducting performance evaluations and providing feedback. Equally important, 45% of division heads and academic leaders only occasionally seek feedback from their faculty and staff, with another 15% rarely engaging in this vital two-way dialogue.
To bridge this gap, we’ve developed a resource guide featuring the following:
By transforming feedback from a “necessary evil” into an opportunity for growth and collaboration, school leaders can build stronger, more resilient communities where faculty, staff, and students thrive.
Building a Championship School Culture Through Effective Evaluation & FeedbackWebinar Recording (SAIS Member Login)Presented by Lauren Evans, Carolina Day School, and Meera Shah, Trey EducationResources include templates for both formal and walkthrough observations.
Feedback as Furthering: The Three C’sBy Mike Hanas, Furthering Leadership, and Renee Prillaman, Renee Prillaman Coaching & ConsultingMike and Renee provide actionable steps that will make a difference with the three C’s: culture, context, and content.
How to Conduct an Effective Classroom WalkthroughWebinar Recording (SAIS Member Login)Presented by Naphtali Hoff, President & Executive Coach, Impactful Coaching & ConsultingNaphtali shares why regular classroom visits are critical to teacher development, what to look for while in the classroom, how to properly record it, and how to give teachers feedback in a way that promotes growth. Resources include a template for walkthrough observations.
We Need to Talk: Preparing for Difficult ConversationsBy Susanne Carpenter, Carpenter Leadership ConsultingMeaningful connections often come from moments of discomfort. Preparation is the key to navigating those moments successfully. It provides you with the tools and confidence needed to tackle the uncertainty ahead.
