Teachers Don't Leave Schools, They Leave Leaders: A Guide to Retention

Dr. Jolie Hardin takes us deep into the hidden rhythms of the school year that every educational leader should understand but few ever discuss. Drawing from her 11 years as a principal and extensive work in district leadership, Dr. Hardin unveils the six emotional phases teachers experience throughout the academic year - and why misalignment between administrative timing and teacher needs drives talented educators away.The conversation centers on a powerful revelation: leaders often pile on new initiatives, observations, and meetings during October through December, precisely when teachers hit their emotional low point in what researchers call the "disillusionment phase." This misalignment creates unnecessary stress that contributes directly to teacher burnout and turnover. As Dr. Hardin explains, "They almost want to give up. They don't want to collaborate anymore, they don't even want to get out of their cars."Beyond identifying the problem, Dr. Hardin offers concrete solutions through structured teacher check-ins with questions designed to uncover specific support needs - physical, institutional, emotional, or instructional. Her approach helps leaders document their support efforts while genuinely addressing teacher concerns. One particularly revealing question she recommends: "What would you use three extra hours in the day for?" which reveals what teachers feel they're neglecting.The discussion challenges school leaders to examine their timing through a new lens, reconsidering everything from when they schedule observations to when they administer climate surveys. Through practical examples and research-backed strategies, Dr. Hardin provides a roadmap for leaders who genuinely want to improve teacher retention by supporting staff during their most vulnerable phases.For new and veteran administrators alike, this conversation offers a rare chance to see the school year through teachers' eyes - and make the timing adjustments that could transform school culture and keep your best educators where they belong: in the classroom, feeling supported and valued.Dr. Jolie Hardin is the Co-Executive Director of GAESP. She can be reached via email at [email protected].