Since the Covid outbreak, teachers have had a handful of challenges come their way. According to a recent study, nearly half of all math teachers leave the profession within five years, resulting in teacher shortages. Several factors are contributing to the teacher retention crisis, including low pay, high stress, and a lack of support.
However, many things can be done to support math educators and help them stay in the classroom. Teachers who are supported and coached in a mutually respectful environment are more likely to be effective educators. This blog offers some suggestions on how admins can support their math teachers.
Teachers want to be given the opportunity to learn new skills and strategies that will help them improve their teaching. This can include both formal training, such as workshops and conferences, as well as informal support, such as mentoring and coaching. Additionally, students of teachers who participate in professional development are more likely to:
- Have higher test scores
- Graduate from high school and go on to college
- Be more engaged in their learning
- Develop positive attitudes towards school
Providing a positive and supportive work environment can help raise teacher’s well-being, combating one of the top reasons they leave (according to the McKinsey & Company study pictured above). This includes providing opportunities to collaborate with other teachers, encouraging feedback, and simple thank yous for the work that can go unnoticed. Some additional ways to create a positive space are:
- Celebrate successes and provide constructive feedback.
- Foster a culture of respect and appreciation.
- Encourage educators to take care of themselves both physically and mentally.
- Be open to feedback and willing to make changes to improve the work environment.
- Find ways to reduce the hours spent planning and grading outside the workday
- Support teachers by asking what additional resources and support they could use for lesson planning and classroom management
Student assessment programs help guide instruction and help identify student misconceptions. Online assessments also offer test practice on computers which will be helpful throughout their education. On-demand instructional lessons can help guide new teachers and help substitutes with standards-based math instruction when teachers are out. Hands-on manipulatives can provide fun, alternative ways for students to understand math concepts. Another great site for math resources and support is the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
By implementing some of these ideas, you can create an environment where math educators feel supported and appreciated. When teachers are provided with the support they need, it can have a positive impact on both teachers and students.
LET’S PARTNER
At NTN, we partner with schools and math teachers to provide math professional development, coaching services, educational resources, and assessment tools. Reach out to see how we can help your school(s) improve your math resources, and support teachers.