Staffing a Turnaround School

Hiring and retaining effective staff is one of the biggest challenges for a Turnaround Principal. Changing a school's trajectory - from failing scores, ineffective practices, a sense of apathy, and a lack of engagement - into an energetic enthusiasm for learning and a passion for the work meeting students' needs is an all-encompassing task. The work involved in turning around a school is similar to starting your own business - it takes a deep commitment, a real sense of vision, never-ending problem-solving, and a fire for success. It can take long hours, trial and error, significant reflection and revision, and feeling frustrated when things do not work.

So how do we stay committed to the work, even when it is tough? There are certainly other places where it may not as difficult to do what we do. The call of "the grass is greener" can be strong and seem like a dream come true. In Chicago, where many of the schools have already undergone the turnaround process, the average turnover rate for staff is 18% (http://www.catalyst-chicago.org/news/2014/04/17/65867/turnarounds-revolving-door-most-teachers ). This constant flux of staff members can be extremely difficult for students who are slow to build trust with adults to begin with, as many students are in high poverty schools, and it can impede the progress that the turnaround plan is trying to support.

Massachusetts promoted a rubric for the characteristics of a turnaround teacher. In Massachusetts, the superintendent shared data that supported the removal of at least 50% of the staff in order to reach gains of over 85% ( http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20131222/News/312220322 ). Likewise, the number one competency that is promoted for a turnaround teacher in Massachusetts is "Relentlessly committed to high achievement for all students." turnaround teacher rubric 

Relentless is a powerful word. It means never giving up - a deep level of commitment that involves nearly every fiber of your being. It means being passionate about the children we serve and the work we are doing, even when it is difficult and not going well. It means that there is night after night of analyzing data, planning, reflecting on what isn't working, and reading about more effective practice. Are teachers up for this type of challenge? I believe we are. I believe that turnaround teachers should have and do have the grit and the passion to see the light at the end of the tunnel and they realize that they hold the power to change lives every single day. This is powerful and deep work - and not everyone has it in them to be a turnaround teacher - but if you have relentless commitment, a sense of vision and purpose, a "can-do" attitude, and a belief in our children then this work may be for you. We are building the future. What do you want the future to look like?