A GLIMPSE
Eyeing the future of K-12
The Eastern Hancock School District in Charlottesville, Indiana, has four promises in its strategic plan: Joy, Connection, Growth and Success. Superintendent George Philhower says the promises are a part of the tenets the school has embedded into its creed—one that challenges all students with engaging quality work and respects them as individuals who make good choices.
Looking ahead to the road that today’s K-12 administrators and teachers are traveling, the Eastern Hancock School District’s mission is not unlike that of any school striving to shape today’s youth. “Education is a unique area to lead,” Philhower says. “The nature of learning leaves us destined to continually chase improvement and, in turn, never feeling like we are doing well enough. At the same time, the individuals we lead get much of their identity from their profession. These two factors create a tremendous need for K-12 administrators to continue to work alongside educators to support them as they navigate the ever-changing opportunities and challenges that come along.”
Each administrator and teacher remains strident in their promise to promote strong role models, positive self-esteem, and a greater cultural awareness for every student, despite some of the twists and turns in the road–especially teacher retention.
Today, U.S. schools are in the midst of a landslide of teacher attrition. According to data from the Department of Labor, the rate at which teachers are quitting their jobs is at a record high. In the past decade alone (you can factor in COVID), the annual turnover rate for teachers is around 8% nationally. You can double that number for schools that receive Title 1 funding.
“The nature of learning leaves us destined to continually chase improvement, and in turn, never feeling like we are doing well enough.”
— George Philhower, Superintendent, Eastern Hancock School District
“It is a fantastic time to be an educator, but there are always challenges,” Philhower says. “Right now, the main challenge in K-12 education is the ongoing negative rhetoric around our profession. This has impacted the declining number of individuals who are going into education. However, all challenges provide opportunities for innovation and improvement. Current opportunities lie in improving education quality through future-focused, student-centered practices like mastery-based learning and personalization.”
It is in these spaces—the ones where educators are building new bridges to learning and growing—that the promise of K-12 shines. As an example of a unique area to lead, education remains a dynamic field on the cutting edge of shaping the next generation of leaders.
As K-12 educators move steadfast into a future filled with innovative possibilities, the landscape likely will be characterized by increased personalization, the integration of technology and a greater focus on holistic learning. This could involve tailored curricula to meet individual student needs and an emphasis on developing not only academic skills, but also social and non-academic competencies.
Following is a snapshot of the trends and challenges that await educators on the road ahead from the American philanthropic community Stand Together:
Teacher retention
The pandemic only aggravated the teacher retention situation, leading K-12 administrators to take a hard look at finding effective solutions. With an annual turnover rate of around 8% based on U.S. Labor Department data, actions are needed now.
Online learning and AI
As innovative technological advances create more innovative, engaging and effective teaching methods, online education is set to boom in 2024. Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only creating more customized learning paths for students, but also automating administrative tasks that are freeing up teachers’ time.
Non-traditional education models
Non-traditional education models, like micro-schools and multi-classrooms, are helping to optimize resources and enhance student learning experiences. Micro-schools are small-scale educational establishments that offer personalized learning experience via innovative teaching methods, while multi-age classrooms, or composite classes, include students from more than one grade level.
Equity in education
Investments in support staff, such as full-time nurses, counselors and special education co-teachers, can help create a more equitable learning environment. In low-income districts, these professionals can address additional challenges students may face, thereby promoting equity in education.
Education leadership
School leadership plays a crucial role in long-term school success and teacher retention. Therefore, focusing on measures that enhance the satisfaction and sense of purpose of school leaders could help increase the time available for leaders to connect with students and provide greater support to teachers.
The role of community in education
Building community partnerships can play a huge role in enriching the educational environment and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for education within the community. A supportive community can play a critical role in educators’ job satisfaction and retention.
