Retention for a Change

Once again, Joe, T.J., and Salome have written another great book! Their ability to address major issues in a practical manner is both refreshing and appreciated. As a superintendent, one of my responsibilities is to find and retain talented people in our district. This book provides great content and strategies that are applicable for all school leaders. Take the next step to improving your district and make Retention for a Change your next read.

-- Anthony V. Dent, superintendent, Medford Lakes School District

Retention for a Change is the book that leaders have been waiting to read to find the recipe for changing their school cultures. Attracting talented staff is a challenge for many school and district leaders, but retaining and supporting those staff members is one of our biggest obstacles. In this book, the authors have given us the tools to inspire, motivate, and energize our teams to new levels of commitment and success. I am sure they will inspire you.

-- Neil Gupta, school district leader; national speaker; serves on the Board of Directors for ASCD

Building a strong team does not happen by accident. Amazing educators across the country pour their hearts and souls into helping their students each and every day. Retaining those amazing educators is important to our profession. As leaders, we need to make sure our teams feel valued. Talk to them, show them your appreciation and most of all, let them know you are there to support them every step of the way!

-- Tara Desiderio, principal, Wescosville Elementary School

Retention for a Change is a practical guide to help school leaders with teachers who are either new to teaching or just new to the school. The book focuses on practitioners who use motivation, inspiration, and energy to build a culture in their schools that will retain novice teachers and new teachers to their buildings. Within the book, there are Technical Tips, Leadership Team Activities, and Guiding Questions for leaders to develop plans to transform their schools. It’s a dream!

-- Evelyn Edney, principal, early college high school, Delaware State University

Every good educational leader recognizes that a school is only as good as the teachers who work there. Building a Winning Team is indeed, mission critical. But as Jones, Vari, and Thomas-EL remind us, “sustaining a winning team” is essential for our schools to thrive. That’s why this new book is so important. These authors draw upon research, the wisdom of practitioners in the field, as well as their own experiences to provide “critical tips and tools" for building the type of culture that not just attracts talented educators, but keeps them. Retention for a Change is not only for administrators, though; it’s for any educator who wants to be part of the solution -- anyone who wants to contribute to school cultures that energize and inspire.

-- Danny Steele, educator, author,"Essential Truths for Principals", and spe