The Delaware Department of Education has launched a new survey to learn more from educators changing positions and help stakeholders better understand educator workforce patterns across the state.
Understanding why educators change roles or leave their positions will help local leaders to target approaches to improve recruitment and retention efforts in their districts or schools. The Delaware Department of Education will use statewide data to identify and implement new strategies to attract and retain teachers, school leaders, and other educators across the state.
“We want all Delaware students to have well-prepared and effective educators supporting their learning every day. Understanding why educators choose to change positions or schools will help us to better support educators and both keep them in or attract them to the areas in which we need them the most,” Secretary of Education Susan Bunting said.
In addition to the department analyzing the statewide data, local school districts and charter schools will be provided local data, which will aid them in developing local strategies to address recruitment and retention challenges.
“Our district appreciates the work and collaboration that the department put into funding and developing the statewide Educator Mobility Survey. The data that both the department and districts and charter schools will have access to as a result of these survey responses will be significant in making necessary and meaningful improvements to our recruitment and retention practices,” Laurel School District Director of Finance and Human Resources Monet Whaley Smith said. “With the increasing shortage of certified teachers across our state, retaining our most impactful educators is of critical importance. This survey will help take the guess work out of determining why teachers leave schools, districts, and Delaware and, what we can do about it.”
The department plans to release a report in early 2020 based on the survey results.
educator.mobility@doe.k12.de.us.
Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006