Lompoc USD finds a remedy for teacher attrition

In developing the support program, LUSD used Jim Knight’s Impact Cycle and Marzano’s strategies to develop a framework of research-based practices for supporting staff. At the start of the year, all teachers new to the district use the STOIC model by Safe & Civil Schools to ensure that classroom management is firmly in place. Once that’s established, they move on to the Impact Cycle, where staff identify an area of focus, learn strategies, implement those strategies and then modify to continuously improve upon them.  At the start of the school year, TSPs focus on building a strong relationship with the newly hired teacher. This strong foundational relationship allows both the TSP and the teacher to be vulnerable during the learning and improvement cycles. The TSP never evaluates the teacher and will not divulge information to the principal or site administrator. Even veteran teachers appreciate the additional support as they start with a new district. Initially, the district’s veteran teachers can be a bit resistant to the idea of a coach. But after learning more about the Impact Cycle, they are grateful to have someone to use as a resource, according to Lisa Cordes, one of LUSD’s lead Teacher Support Providers.  “As a TSP we get to ride the roller coaster side by side with our new hires,” Cordes said. “We get to cheer them on and support them. We get to lift them up on hard days, laugh with them on the silly days, and push them to be the best educator they can be. We’re in this together.” TSPs are in contact with site administrators, who help them identify any focus areas or initiatives the site is working toward. They also attend staff meetings at the sites they support so they can have a better understanding of each site.

The Teacher Support Providers were so successful they were expanded this year to provide even more individualized support.   “Direct classroom support is always where we try to put our funds,” said Karbula, assistant superintendent of business services. “This program has been hugely successful with retention of staff.”.   While there is only data from the first year, the district reports 40 fewer new hires this year than the previous year. LUSD knows that supporting their teachers will mean great things for students in the future due to this great program. “Providing support for our new teachers as they embark on their first year with LUSD has been a great honor, especially through these challenging times,” said Susie Reilly, another lead TSP.