Kalamazoo Launches New Partnership to Support District Efforts to Improve Teacher Retention and Engagement
Kalamazoo Public Schools announces a partnership with Upbeat, an innovative teacher retention organization led by former teachers and school leaders. The new initiative reflects the district's commitment to address the factors contributing to teacher retention.
KALAMAZOO, Mich., June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Upbeat will equip Kalamazoo leaders with key insights into the district's current efforts by engaging teachers in a comprehensive and confidential survey examining research-based categories, including school climate, hiring and onboarding, professional development, and teacher appreciation.
The district implemented Upbeat's engagement survey this spring -- which resulted in an 85% participation rate. The district was provided with improved data on the issues that currently impact teacher recruitment and retention, such as leadership, communication, evaluation, expectations, and safety. Thus far, 92% of Kalamazoo district and school administrators feel that Upbeat's data gave them insights to develop and accomplish their goals as leaders.
"We are a district that is very focused on teacher satisfaction and wanted a tool to help provide us with teacher engagement data. We want our teachers to look forward to being in their classrooms everyday and it's been challenging to gauge teacher sentiments, especially in the past year," said Sheila Dorsey, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Kalamazoo Public Schools.
"Upbeat's survey and reports have already helped us identify areas of strength and places where we have room to grow at a district level. At a school level, principals have gained incredibly valuable insight into the perceptions of teachers at their school and through working with an Upbeat coach have been able to enact an action plan around targeted areas for improvement."
Upbeat's unique approach empowers districts with fast and accurate data on teachers' opinions through surveys customized to examine the most pressing issues in its schools. The company then equips leaders as partners in implementing research-based strategies that address the identified challenges through tailored toolkits, intervention strategies, and actionable next steps for principals and superintendents.
"As a former educator, I recognize the challenges that affect those leading our classrooms and know the last year was hard on teachers," said Henry Wellington, founder and CEO of Upbeat. "We're very excited to partner with Kalamazoo. It's clear from their high spring participation in our initial survey that the district values teacher voice and is committed to further improving employee culture and teacher retention."
Upbeat continues to build strategic partnerships with schools and districts across the country in an effort to improve teacher engagement and retention using data.
About Upbeat
Upbeat works with K-12 districts across the country to administer a research-grounded survey to elevate teacher engagement and retention by fostering strong school environments. Founded and led by former educators, we bring together data scientists, technologists, and experienced former school leaders to deliver a research-backed solution. Our surveys paired with tailored toolkits and intervention strategies, surface real-time insights so that principals and district leaders are able to better understand and uncover the conditions affecting employee morale and establish actionable plans to improve teacher and staff retention. More information about the company and its approach can be found at http://teachupbeat.com.
Media Contact
Kylie Davis, Upbeat Education, +1 9177408184, [email protected]
SOURCE Upbeat Education
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