Advancing Teacher Recruitment and Retention: Using Improvement Science to Develop a Teacher Residency Program

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Showcasing Plural Perspectives on the Scholarship of Improvement: The Improvement Science SIG Roundtable

Abstract

Networked Improvement Community (NIC) worked to understand teacher recruitment and retention in two rural school districts using an improvement science approach. Through this work, a large southeastern university and school district representatives, designed and implemented a 14-month teacher residency program to recruit prospective teachers who represented the demographics of students. Regular meetings and continuous focus on disciplined inquiry, systems, variation, and outcomes allowed the NIC to understand aspects related to recruiting diverse populations, adapting based on COVID-19, developing a shared leadership approach, and building on the strengths of schools and communities. Results demonstrate the need to recruit from within communities, understand how systemic racism has impacted the applicants and residents, and develop systems to effectively support and prepare teachers.

Authors

• Leigh D'Amico, University of South Carolina

• Hall West, University of South Carolina

• Melissa Baker, University of South Carolina

• George J Roy, University of South Carolina

• Xumei Fan, University of South Carolina - Columbia

• Amber Janel Adgerson, University of South Carolina - Columbia

• Catherine F. Compton-Lilly, University of South Carolina

• Rachelle Curcio, University of South Carolina

• Kristin E. Harbour, University of South Carolina

• Jessie Guest, University of South Carolina

• Stephen L. Thompson, University of South Carolina