You are here

The Key to Recruiting the Best Teachers Isn't Money. It's Culture.

Education Week
December 18, 2014

By Deidra Gammill

Remember the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? Common sense tells us that preventing problems is far better than dealing with the aftermath of poor choices and costly mistakes. So why do current trends in attracting and retaining high quality teachers where they're needed most look more like the pound of cure, not the ounce of prevention so desperately needed?

In a culture permeated by recruitment strategies based on lucrative salaries, perks, and incentives, it's easy to believe that the same approach would work with teachers. But historically, throwing more money at issues in education rarely addresses the root of the problems. Sure, teachers want to make a fair salary, one that reflects our level of education, experience and credentials. However, our ounce of prevention is not monetary; it's relational.

Click here to read more.