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: 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. They can expand access to counseling, anger management and peer mediation. They can provide ways for students to communicate with adults about rumors and threats. Leaders can teach respect and responsibility and expand opportunities for students to work with adult role models in after-school education and recreation programs (NEA, 2003). While working hard to develop a school climate where people are comfortable, leaders should remember to pay attention to the little things. Sometimes the principal or special education administrator is the person to make sure the copiers are working, schedule fewer interruptions during instructional time, turn on the air conditioning when needed, and provide food at faculty meetings (Scherer, 2003).