USHCA

In this new year tackle your toughest challenges with our Problem of Practice (POP) Tool!

The POP Consultancy Protocol is a powerful framework to help HR leaders and teams define challenges and get meaningful feedback to drive actionable solutions. Ready to make the most of it? Here are 5 Pro Tips to guide your process:

1️⃣ Prepare Ahead of Time:
Reflect deeply and frame your challenge thoughtfully. A brief description (1-2 pages) of your issue can help focus the group and ensure a productive session.

2️⃣ Clarify & Probe, Don’t Problem Solve:
Use clarifying questions (Who? What? Where? When? How?) to gather facts. Follow up with probing questions (Why? What if?) to spark deeper thinking and insights.

3️⃣ Close the Curtain:
Step back and listen without interruptions. Let the group analyze your issue while you take notes—this “observer role” often leads to breakthroughs.

4️⃣ Reflect & Recap:
Summarize the most significant ideas and questions from the group. Share any new perspectives or approaches you’ve gained from listening.

5️⃣ Mind the Process:
Always debrief. Discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve future sessions to maximize learning and impact.

This protocol fosters thoughtful collaboration and actionable feedback, tailored to the unique needs of school district HR teams.

Download POP Tool Here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qMq5Nc6Y6F6_jarccpzXxE1yRtJB8Snp/edit

What Makes an Effective Teacher?

Teaching effectiveness is more than just a single skill—it’s a multifaceted journey. In the feature article from Tes Magazine, they share decades of research into what makes great teachers, how we evaluate their performance, and why context, support, and growth matter.

From breaking down outdated evaluation systems to exploring how schools can better support teacher development, they emphasize that effectiveness is about holistic, multidimensional approaches.

Curious about the key takeaways? 📚 Read the full article here⤵️: https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/general/how-to-spot-and-develop-effective-teachers

Tell us your thoughts on what makes a en effective teacher in the comments below⤵️

The struggle to spot (and develop) effective teachers How we evaluate teaching and attempt to improve it is complex - but the research is starting to provide answers, argues teacher effectiveness expert Matthew A Kraft

As we close out the year, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with HR teams across school districts through initiatives like our Accelerator, Academy, and individualized coaching. Together, we’ve made meaningful strides in supporting educators.

Yet, we recognize the challenges that have shaped this year and those that lie ahead. Budget cuts and potential impacts on the Department of Education weigh heavily on all of us. But even in the face of uncertainty, we remain steadfast and optimistic.

Attracting and retaining top talent isn’t easy, but we believe in the power of strong Human Resources. With a committed community of education HR practitioners and access to incredible resources and support, we can navigate these challenges together.

Thank you for your trust and partnership in this vital work. From all of us at USHCA, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with renewed hope and collective success. 🎁✨

5 Critical HR Trends Reshaping Education

As you wrap up the year we want to share The challenges in education talent management demand bold, strategic solutions. We outline key trends from the USHCA Academy 2024 to help education HR teams lead the transformation. Here’s what you need to know:

1️⃣ Teacher Pipelines Have Shifted
Rethink traditional pathways. Programs like “Grow Your Own” and teacher apprenticeships are paving the way for innovative recruitment and development strategies.

2️⃣ The Digital Evolution of Recruitment
Embrace mobile-first and social media-driven hiring processes. Speed matters—keep candidates engaged by responding quickly.

3️⃣ Strategic Staffing Redesign
Move beyond the one-teacher-one-classroom model. Align talent with student needs while addressing inequities and declining enrollment.

4️⃣ Modernize Retention Approaches
Teachers want flexibility, fair pay, and support. Address burnout and career fluidity to build sustainable teacher careers.

5️⃣ Personalized Growth Pathways
Support diverse entry points with tailored mentoring, immediate classroom resources, and long-term development plans.

👉 Read the blog here: https://ushcacademy.org/beyond-the-teacher-shortage-5-critical-hr-trends-reshaping-education/

USHCA-the-teacher-shortage-5-critical-hr-trends-reshaping-education We develop, support, and network human capital leaders in schools, districts, and states to drive measurable improvements in teacher and principal quality.

🚨 Friendly Reminder Webinar Today at 2PM

Join our CEO, Betsy Arons, today at 2 PM ET for an insightful webinar: Extending Innovation Post-ESSER: The Next Era in K-12 Staffing Success.

👉 RSVP now: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4774613/5622EC5567893FF4A031A24BD7B49432?partnerref=DA_EduSolve

📢 Webinar Reminder!

Join our CEO, Betsy Arons, and team this Monday, Dec. 9 at 2 PM EST for:
Extending Innovation Post-ESSER: The Next Era in K-12 Staffing Success

Discover practical strategies to:
✅ Reimagine staffing for long-term success
✅ Sustain and adapt ESSER-funded programs
✅ Reduce teacher burnout with flexible models
✅ Build resilient, inclusive teams

👉 RSVP Now: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4774613/5622EC5567893FF4A031A24BD7B49432?partnerref=DA_EduSolve

Education is evolving rapidly, and HR teams face critical challenges that require strategic focus.

Here’s a look at the key trends shaping the future of education HR:

1️⃣New Teachers
- Persistent shortages
- Varied preparation levels
- Shifting career and workplace expectations

2️⃣HR’s Role
- Year-round recruitment and retention demands
- Emphasis on internal growth and upskilling
- Increasing need for data-driven personalization and differentiation

3️⃣Education Landscape
- Tightening budgets
- Growing perception of teaching as unsustainable
- Greater availability of technology and generative AI tools

Staying ahead of these trends is essential for supporting educators and schools effectively.

💡 What trends are impacting your HR strategies? Share your thoughts below⤵️

A strong candidate experience is key to attracting and retaining top talent for your schools. From the job description to follow-up communications, every interaction shapes how candidates perceive your organization.

Here’s how our funnel approach can help you recruit the best talent:

1️⃣ Source: Proactively search for candidates and build a robust talent pool.
2️⃣ Screen: Continuously review applications to identify high-potential candidates.
3️⃣ Cultivate: Maintain interest and engagement with top candidates through early outreach.
4️⃣ Interview: Facilitate meaningful meetings between candidates and hiring teams to find the perfect fit.
5️⃣ Offer & Accept: Close the deal with compelling offers to secure the best talent.

Build relationships, showcase your school’s value, and create a candidate experience that stands out.

💡 Ready to enhance your hiring process? Let's Connect: https://ushcacademy.org/contact-ushca/

Teacher retention is a pressing challenge, and while raising pay is critical, it’s not the whole solution. In their recent Education Week article, they share actionable insights to reimagine teacher contracts and create a more sustainable profession.

Key strategies include:
✅ Strategic Pay Increases: Focused raises for early-career teachers and high-need roles.
✅ High-Impact Leadership Roles: Expanding pathways for experienced teachers to lead without leaving the classroom.
✅ Flexible Schedules & Roles: Moving beyond rigid contracts to support collaboration, professional growth, and better student outcomes.
✅ Protecting Essential Educators: Updating layoff policies to retain top talent in critical areas.

Now is the time for district leaders and unions to collaborate and rethink contracts to address shortages, burnout, and the evolving needs of education.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-teacher-contracts-need-to-change-and-its-not-just-about-money/2024/10

Teacher Contracts Need to Change. And It’s Not Just About Money (Opinion) If we want to retain effective teaches, we should increase teacher compensation—but we need to do it strategically.

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for HR partners and principals to collaborate and plan ahead. Here are essential topics to discuss and prepare in this final quarter:

1️⃣ Preliminary Hiring Projections
- Review current staffing levels
- Discuss anticipated changes for next year

2️⃣ Recruitment and Staffing Needs
- Pinpoint hard-to-fill positions
- Create targeted recruitment strategies

3️⃣ Professional Development Planning
- Assess staff development needs
- Plan workshops and training for spring
- Strategize support for underperforming staff

4️⃣ Retention Strategies
- Develop actionable plans to retain top talent
- Empower principals with the insights and strategies they need to build stronger teams.

Let’s make this semester a success!

What this helpful? Any other strategies you would add for the fall?

USHCA's School-Level Retention Mapping & Strategies Tool empowers HR leaders and principals to collaborate effectively and retain top talent.

With this tool, you can:
✔️ Visually map your differentiated retention approach
✔️ Develop personalized strategies to retain high-performing educators
✔️ Align efforts to support teacher engagement and long-term success

Take a proactive approach to retaining your school’s best educators. Download the tool today and make teacher retention a strategic priority.

📥 Download Tool here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LT1y4bU0mrxExognXmEY6YOaE6JDqZ_B/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103023381321385361330&rtpof=true&sd=true

Join our CEO, Betsy Arons and team on December 9th at 2 PM EST for a thought-provoking webinar hosted by District Administration (DA):
"Extending Innovation Post-ESSER: The Next Era in K-12 Staffing Success"

In this engaging session, a panel of education leaders will share practical strategies to navigate the challenges of a post-ESSER funding landscape.

What You’ll Learn:
📌 Extending Progress: Insights from districts pioneering innovative staffing solutions and workforce development.
📌 Sustaining Impact: Strategies to prioritize ESSER-funded initiatives and maintain quality outcomes.
📌 Flexible Staffing Models: Creative team structures to support instruction and reduce teacher burnout.
📌 Leadership Essentials: Tools to build resilient, inclusive workforces that address diverse needs.

Whether your district is facing budget constraints or simply looking to strengthen your approach, this is a must-attend event for K-12 leaders!

💡 Don’t miss the chance to gain actionable insights and join the conversation shaping the future of education.

👉 Register Now: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4774613/5622EC5567893FF4A031A24BD7B49432?partnerref=DA_EduSolve

Under a second Trump presidency, proposed budget cuts and the potential dismantling of the Department of Education could dramatically reshape school funding and the fabric of public education. 📉

Plans like cutting Title I funding for low-income students and Head Start for preschoolers could widen inequities, leaving vulnerable communities struggling to recover post-pandemic. Observers warn that using the Department of Education as a political battleground may divert focus from improving outcomes for students.

Explore the implications for schools here: https://www.the74million.org/article/what-a-second-trump-presidency-could-mean-for-education-in-the-u-s/

What a Second Trump Presidency Could Mean for Education in the U.S. Some see Donald Trump’s decisive victory as an ‘immediate threat,’ but others expect him to be limited by the ‘reality of governing.’

Under a second Trump presidency, proposed budget cuts and the potential dismantling of the Department of Education could dramatically reshape school funding and the fabric of public education.

What a Second Trump Presidency Could Mean for Education in the U.S. Some see Donald Trump’s decisive victory as an ‘immediate threat,’ but others expect him to be limited by the ‘reality of governing.’

In the pursuit of improving educational outcomes, the collaboration between HR and principals is more vital than ever.

Key Strategies for Effective Collaboration:

Know Your Schools: Regular engagement with principals and school visits help tailor support to their unique needs.

Share Data: Providing access to staff experience and performance data empowers informed decision-making.

Be Transparent: Clear timelines for recruitment and staffing, along with early communication on induction strategies, support new teachers effectively.

By fostering these partnerships, we can create an environment that uplifts both educators and students.

🌐 To dive deeper into these strategies, visit www.ushcacademy.org/blog and explore more insights on empowering schools through effective collaboration.

With over 50 years of collective experience in the education space, our team of Human Capital experts is skilled at solving the most pressing HR challenges in schools. 🏫

Our blog is a treasure trove of knowledge—packed with articles, research, tools, and tips designed to support HR teams in K-12 schools. Whether you’re looking to enhance talent development or improve school management, our blog has you covered!

💡 Stay informed, empowered, and ahead of the curve. Visit the Resources tab on our website to explore all our latest posts: ushcacademy.org.

🔍 Explore Our Full Range of Services at USHCA 🔍

At USHCA, we’re committed to strengthening school leadership and driving positive educational outcomes. Our comprehensive suite of services is designed to support your success at every level. 🌟

💼 Academy Convening: Connect and collaborate with fellow K-12 leaders.
📊 Assessment Services: Get in-depth evaluations to optimize school performance.
🎯 Principal Support: Equip principals with the tools and strategies they need to thrive.
🔧 Tailored Assistance: Receive customized solutions to address your unique challenges.

Visit ushcacademy.org and explore our Services tab to see how we can support your leadership journey! ✨

Our Fall Academy Convening is officially one week away 🎉. We're thrilled to welcome 15+ school districts to Atlanta, GA, for two days of impactful sessions and collaboration.

We're especially excited to highlight our incredible lineup of featured speakers, who will be leading fruitful and impactful sessions throughout the Academy:

✨ Alex Moseman, Executive Director of Talent Acquisition, Knox County Schools

✨ Shyam Kumar, Founder & CEO, NorthStar Education Partners

✨ Phaedra Brown, Program Director Employee Wellbeing, Atlanta Public Schools

✨ Shonaka Ellison, Senior VP & Strategic Director, K-12 Executive Engagement, Public Impact Consultants

✨ Yanika Daniels, Recruitment & HR Strategy Services Consultant

✨ David Donaldson, Founder, NCGYO (returning for another year!)

For those joining us, we can’t wait to learn, grow, and tackle HR challenges in education together!