Chalk Talk Episode 1: What percentage of teachers leave the profession within the first 5 years?

Why Teacher Retention Matters

When people talk about improving our schools, we often focus on test scores, curriculum, or budgets. While those issues matter, one of the most important factors affecting student success is something much simpler: Keeping great teachers in our classrooms.

As someone who has spent more than 20 years as an educator, I've seen firsthand the difference an experienced teacher makes. Teaching is a profession built on relationships, consistency, and trust. Those things take time to develop.

When schools lose teachers year after year, students lose much more than the person standing at the front of the classroom.

Why These Numbers Matter

Teacher retention isn't just about filling vacancies.

Every time an experienced teacher leaves, taxpayers fund another cycle of:

• Advertising open positions

• Recruiting candidates

• Reviewing applications

• Interviewing applicants

• Background checks and fingerprinting

• HR processing and onboarding

• New employee orientation

• Mentor teacher assignments

• Professional development and training

• Administrative time from principals and district staff

• Substitute coverage while positions remain vacant

Those costs repeat every time a position turns over.

That's money that could otherwise be invested in classrooms, instructional materials, student programs, school safety, and teacher development.

Frequent turnover can lead to:

• Larger class sizes while positions remain vacant

• Increased workloads for remaining teachers

• Fewer experienced mentors for new educators

• Disruptions in school culture

• Less consistency for students and families

Students benefit when they have teachers who know their strengths, understand their learning styles, and have years of experience refining their craft.

Strong schools aren't built by constantly replacing great educators—they're built by retaining them.

As a School Board member, one of my responsibilities will be ensuring that taxpayer dollars are invested wisely. Supporting teacher retention isn't just good for students; it's a fiscally responsible investment in the future of Brevard Public Schools.

Why experience matters

Every teacher remembers their first year.

There is so much to learn beyond lesson plans — classroom management, communicating with parents, collaborating with colleagues, and understanding the unique needs of every student.

Experienced teachers become mentors, instructional leaders, and trusted resources within their schools. They help build strong school communities that benefit students for years to come.

When those educators leave, schools don't just lose employees—they lose institutional knowledge and relationships that are difficult to replace.

Teacher retention is about students

Supporting teachers isn't simply about the adults in the building. It's about creating stable learning environments where students can thrive.

When teachers feel supported, respected, and equipped with the resources they need, they're more likely to remain in the classroom—and students are the ones who benefit most.

What can school boards do?

While the Florida Legislature establishes many education laws, local school boards still play an important role in creating an environment where educators want to stay.

School boards can:

• Set district priorities and budgets that support classrooms

• Work with district leadership on recruitment and retention strategies

• Foster a culture of respect for educators

• Support meaningful professional development

• Listen to teachers, parents, and principals when making decisions

• Advocate for policies that strengthen the teaching profession

Not every challenge can be solved locally, but school boards can influence the culture, priorities, and support systems that affect educators every day.

Michele's Perspective

As a teacher, I've experienced firsthand how School Board decisions impact classrooms.

I believe that supporting teachers means supporting students.

When we retain excellent educators, we build stronger schools, improve student outcomes, and create learning environments where both children and teachers can succeed.

That's one of the reasons I'm running for the Brevard County School Board.

Because investing in great teachers is an investment in every student's future.