What’s Driving Teacher Retention in Louisiana? NIET’s Strategies Take Center Stage

NIET’s work with Louisiana schools was recently featured in the state’s largest newspaper, The Advocate, highlighting the impact that support, mentorship, and compensation play critical roles in supporting teacher retention. NIET Senior Vice President of Policy Kristan Van Hook shared insights on Louisiana’s investment in high-quality instructional materials and promotion of teacher leadership and collaboration, endeavors that NIET has supported for decades in the state as a partner.

The districts that have been successful about increasing retention focus on making the job rewarding. They know they have to provide compensation, recognition, collaboration, and leadership to keep teachers. That trickles down to the students. When schools have a structure with better support for teachers, there is a stronger sense of teamwork. It shifts the focus to creating a great classroom lesson for students in the room.

Kristan Van Hook, NIET Senior Vice President of Policy

Read The Advocate article here

NIET’s Work in Louisiana

For 25 years, NIET has worked in developing teacher leaders, supporting successful instructional strategies, and building educator capacity to address student needs nationwide, including in Louisiana. NIET’s work in Louisiana showcases how strategic support transforms schools - from strengthening classroom instruction and mentoring to cultivating teacher leadership and coaching. NIET partner schools across the state demonstrate the power of high-quality instructional practices to reach every student and the critical role of great coaching in boosting both teacher retention and student results. Stories of distributed leadership and inspiring educators, including that of a Louisiana principal who transitioned from a second career to leading with excellence, illustrate how NIET partners with schools to grow talent and sustain success at every level. 

Learn more about NIET’s partnership with Louisiana