ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: 5 Reasons We Will Always Be Educators

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: 5 reasons we will always be educators

By Erin Jacobson and Marijke Leibel

August 2022

We have all heard the alarming statistics about the number of educators who are thinking of leaving the profession. As coordinators of the North Dakota Teacher Support System, which supports and retains beginning teachers through mentoring and coaching, we wondered what we could do to encourage teachers to think about staying for the long term. As we engaged in professional learning with mentors, beginning teachers, and instructional coaches, we heard many stories, listened to challenges, and spent countless hours thinking about how we can best support and retain effective teachers in our state. From their experiences and ours, we have created this list of five things that give us joy and are the reasons we will always be educators. Marijke Leibel: We have a lot

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Relationships promote learning

The Equity Practices standard of Learning Forward’s Standards for Professional Learning states: “Professional learning results in equitable and excellent outcomes for all students when educators understand their students’ historical, cultural, and societal contexts, embrace student assets through instruction, and foster relationships with students, families, and communities.”

References

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Gonzalez, J. (2013). Find your marigold: The one essential rule for new teachers. www.cultofpedagogy.com/marigolds/

Learning Forward. (2022). Standards for Professional Learning. Author

Smith, E.E. (2017). The power of meaning: The true route to happiness. Rider.

Sousa, D.A. (2010). Mind, brain, & education: Neuroscience implications for the classroom. Solution Tree.

Suttie, J. (2017). The four keys to a meaningful life. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_keys_to_a_meaningful_life

Tate, M. (2022). Healthy teachers, happy classrooms: Twelve brain-based principles to avoid burnout, increase optimism, and support physical well-being. Solution Tree.

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