Great Teachers Make Great Schools
April 17, 2024
This article was initially published in The Crest: Spring 2024 Edition by Bernadette Grace, Chief Human Resources Officer.
In the intricate tapestry of education, our ESD faculty and staff serve as the backbone, weaving together the threads of knowledge, guidance, and inspiration to shape the future. The invaluable role they play in fostering a positive learning environment in order to ignite lives of purpose cannot be overstated. Our teachers and staff are truly our greatest assets, and they deserve our unwavering support.
The strategic goals of ESD2030 are focused on six complementary components, one of which is recruiting and retaining outstanding employees who can execute the mission of the school. Our current teachers and staff exemplify the hallmarks of an ESD educator, creating challenging and nurturing classroom experiences; displaying honor, integrity, and respect in their words and actions; modeling an understanding of self through self-reflection and self-discipline; and embracing and promoting all aspects of ESD’s Episcopal Identity.
This remarkable group of educators brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to the forefront of the learning experience. Their collective expertise spans diverse subjects, and their innovative teaching methodologies reflect a deep understanding of the evolving needs of today’s students. Beyond their academic prowess, our teachers and staff serve as mentors, cultivating a nurturing environment that extends beyond the classroom. Their tireless efforts in fostering a sense of community and inspiring a love for learning make them the cornerstone of our educational institution. In the face of challenges, this exceptional faculty continues to adapt, innovate, and go above and beyond to ensure that every student receives a quality education. Their commitment to the growth and well-being of our students truly makes them the heart and soul of ESD.
The recruitment and retention of outstanding teachers for ESD requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses not only attracting top talent but also encouraging their professional growth and well-being within our school community, recognizing and celebrating their vital role in shaping our students’ futures. To achieve and sustain this, we must:
- Articulate our mission and program clearly.
- Provide a compensation package that is among the best in the industry.
- Cast a wide net in attracting the best candidates for employment.
- Create an atmosphere in which all employees feel comfortable being themselves.
- Establish a process that best identifies employees who will be successful.
- Create an environment in which work is equitably distributed.
- Provide training for and the path to leadership for all employees.
While we have achieved great success in many of these areas, here are four areas where we are focusing our efforts:
1. Compensation
We are continuing our focus on employee compensation, working on benchmarking against our 15-school peer group for faculty and market research for nonteaching staff.
2. Professional Development
With a generous endowment for professional development, we are encouraging our teachers and staff to take advantage of their opportunities to attend professional conferences and continue their education.
3. Leadership Opportunities
Another focus for us is to help our teachers and staff seek leadership opportunities. Because ESD does not seek to grow in enrollment, we must find ways to provide these opportunities. Our Chief Academic Officer, Rebecca Brady, and her team are creating leadership opportunities for teachers through their work with ESDistinction, and we continue to look for additional ways to provide opportunities in other areas.
4. Belonging in Community
Finally, ESD is one campus and one community, and we want to ensure that every employee feels a sense of belonging. During the past two school years, our human resources team endeavored to gain a deeper understanding of the morale among ESD faculty and staff. This initiative involved the administration of a comprehensive survey on staff and faculty morale, along with conducting stay interviews, exit interviews, and engaging in focus group discussions. These efforts yielded valuable insights that illuminate both our strengths and areas for improvement, offering a nuanced perspective on our organizational dynamics.
| What do our employees say we are doing well? |
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According to our surveys and discussions, ESD has excelled in fostering a thriving environment, as evidenced by the prevailing sentiments of safety and warmth that envelop our campus. This collective sense of security and welcome speaks to ESD’s commitment to providing a nurturing space for both students and staff. Employees have also stated that they feel cared for, listened to, and valued at school. Moreover, our community strongly resonates with the school’s mission, demonstrating a profound alignment with its values and goals. This cohesion contributes to a shared sense of purpose and unity, creating a foundation for collective achievement. Additionally, our commitment to professional development shines through as staff members express confidence in possessing the necessary training and skills to excel in their roles. This commitment to ongoing growth and empowerment ensures that our educators are equipped to deliver their best work, ultimately enriching the learning experience for all. |
| Where do our employees feel we can grow? |
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While our school has made commendable strides, there are areas that warrant attention and growth. Our employees have expressed a desire for increased autonomy and empowerment in their roles, seeking to feel a stronger sense of ownership and control over their work. They aim to foster a supportive environment where they can continue to take initiative and contribute meaningfully. Furthermore, some teachers and staff have stated that there is a need for improved collaboration and interconnectedness among our divisions and departments. By addressing these concerns and promoting a more inclusive and collaborative environment, we can collectively cultivate a culture of mutual recognition, appreciation, and synergy within our ESD community. |
Our work on building our faculty and staff morale is ongoing, and we are excited about seeing changes this year and in the coming years. We will continue to work on compensation and benefits through endowment fundraising, as well as reviewing our current benefits package. ESD has put together the Belonging and Engagement Advisory Team, a group of volunteers from all divisions and various staff departments. This advisory team meets monthly to discuss employee engagement as it relates to our mission and programming, compensation and benefits package, and other employee engagement practices. They will act as liaisons between HR and their divisions/departments.
Another goal for our human resources department is to strengthen our new employee onboarding and support. Working with key members of the divisions and departments, we are creating a two-year program for new employees coming into ESD with a goal of providing a foundation for all the areas of their work, including practical help, instructional guidance, and social and cultural support. One key aspect of this program will see the ESD Campfire Program extending into work with our new faculty and staff. The ESD Campfire Program has been successful in helping new and current students and families successfully transition into ESD, and we hope to begin providing this for our new employees as well.
Our commitment extends beyond diagnosis; we are proactively implementing measures to fortify the pillars of our educational community. The establishment of the Belonging and Engagement Advisory Team, ongoing fundraising for endowments, and the enhancement of new employee onboarding programs are pivotal steps toward cultivating a culture of continual improvement and support. Through collaborative efforts, open communication, and a shared dedication to our mission, we are confident that the positive changes initiated this year will lay the foundation for a thriving and cohesive ESD community in the years to come.
