Leadership communities for teacher retention

Abstract

STEM teacher retention is essential to student success but must mean more than just keeping teachers in the classroom. The Knowles Teacher Initiative has found that building communities of teacher leaders is a powerful strategy for sustaining early-career educators. Through collaborative inquiry, inclusive learning communities, and multi-layered mentoring, teachers gain agency, support, and a shared sense of purpose. The Teaching Fellows program emphasizes teacher-driven growth, identity-affirming relationships, and leadership development over time. With 85% of Fellows remaining in the classroom after five years, the program suggests that teachers stay when they are connected, empowered, and trusted to lead.