Supporting Our Teachers

Our teachers are the backbone of our district, and it’s clear that they need more support to meet the demands of today’s classrooms. By prioritizing teacher well-being and giving them the tools they need to succeed, we can create a healthier, more sustainable environment for educators and ensure better outcomes for our students. Below is my plan to help teachers thrive in today’s school environment.

1. Reduce Class Sizes

Hire more teachers and support staff to lower student-to-teacher ratios. Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention, reducing teacher workload and stress.

2. Comprehensive Mental Health Resources

Provide access to mental health services for teachers, including counseling, stress management workshops, and wellness programs. Offer mental health days to encourage self-care and recovery.

3. Teacher Mentorship Programs

Pair new teachers with experienced mentors to provide guidance, share classroom management strategies, and offer emotional support during their first few years of teaching.

4. Increased Planning and Collaboration Time

Allocate more dedicated time during the school day for teachers to collaborate, plan lessons, and share best practices. This helps reduce after-hours work and promotes a culture of teamwork.

5. Professional Development Opportunities

Offer regular professional development tailored to teachers' needs, such as training in new technology, differentiated instruction, trauma-informed practices, or other skills that enhance their teaching and well-being.

6. Teacher Recognition and Appreciation Programs

Create programs to celebrate and recognize teachers' hard work, such as monthly teacher awards, public acknowledgments at school board meetings, or bonuses for outstanding performance.

7. Streamline Administrative Tasks

Reduce the amount of paperwork, data entry, and non-teaching responsibilities teachers must handle by providing administrative support, allowing teachers to focus more on teaching and student engagement.

8. Competitive Pay and Benefits

Advocate for higher salaries, better healthcare benefits, and improved retirement plans to make teaching more financially sustainable. Offer bonuses for teachers in high-need areas or those with outstanding performance.

9. Provide Classroom Resources and Funding

Ensure that teachers have access to up-to-date teaching materials, technology, and classroom supplies. Establish grants or budgets for teachers to request additional resources they may need throughout the school year.

10. Foster a Positive School Culture

Cultivate a supportive and respectful school environment where teachers' voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their ideas for improving the school are taken seriously. Empower teachers to have more input in decision-making processes.

11. Invest in Ground Breaking Technology

By investing in new AI-driven technology we can ensure that teachers can lower their workload while also making more personalized learning that adapts to student learning types.