Community Connections & Teacher Retention

In this week’s episode, Beth speaks with fourth grade teacher and union leader Melissa Grothe about the challenges and successes of connecting with the local community and how connection and belonging can impact teacher retention. Melissa is an educator with strong ties to the coastal town of Astoria where she grew up and currently works.

Educators new to the area don’t always feel connected to their community and this can sometimes lead to educators leaving their jobs. This issue isn’t limited to Astoria but also affects other small towns and larger cities, especially since the pandemic when many have been figuring out how to join back in community. How do we cultivate a sense of belonging in both the school at large and the rest of the community? How do we make social connections when we’re new to an area?

Astoria School District has used grant money to build connections and support for educators such as helping to secure childcare for educators with small children and hosting a listening session on teacher retention. These efforts help educators feel like the district is investing in them. Melissa offered some suggestions for schools to increase a sense of belonging, like developing welcoming materials to offer to educators new to an area such as a PowerPoint with local recommendations for restaurants and other businesses. Locals can also invite new educators out socially. For newly arrived educators, Melissa suggests contacting the local Chamber of Commerce to learn about the events and organizations in the community. Volunteering at local events is a way to show you’re invested in the community and also meet new people. 

 

Resources:

Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce

We All Need Belonging - Center for Inspired Teaching

Retaining BIPOC Educators Starts with Belonging - ASCD

OEA Grow is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.