Title: The Role of the Administrator
Headings: The Role of the Administrator in Teacher Retention
The Role of the Administrator in Teacher Retention
Infrastructure
Content/Skills
Community Involvement and Support
School Leaders Also Need Support

Content: Every school has a history and a culture. If teachers are connected to their school and are part of it, they may be more likely to identify with it and stay, even in the tough times. The school leader needs to become the “developer and nurturer of the school’s culture” and share it with new teachers so they can gain a sense of membership and participation. Leaders can communicate the school’s history, traditions, legends and myths and share stories of the school’s heroes and heroines (Colley, 2002). The school will not be the kind of place where teachers want to be if they don’t trust the administration. To develop trust among teachers and all stakeholders — parents, students, community members, central office staff and school board members — leaders must be honest and up-front with them. Leaders can be visible to staff, students and parents in classrooms, in the corridors, at lunch, at bus duty, and at extracurricular activities (Hopkins, 2000). Concerns over safety and discipline are two of the major reasons teachers leave their jobs. By developing consistent student behavior policies (Johnson and Birkeland, 2003) and addressing safety and discipline issues, much can be accomplished. Leaders can work to stop bullying and harassment.