"Show Me the Money!" Not the Only Solution

Money is always a big issue when dealing with schools. There is never enough money when it comes to paying qualified staff, and providing adequate materials let alone the latest and greatest materials. However, I have read a lot of articles lately in regards to reasons why teachers leave the "hardest to teach" schools. Although perceptions of administrators and even community members are that teachers leave because they don't get paid as much as wealthier school districts; teachers actions tell a different story. It's not about the money, it's about the support both through leadership and professional development. Teachers interviewed wanted help with how to provide the best for students in the "hardest to teach" schools and left because they didn't feel like they received it.

As our population changes and expectations for schools increase, we see more schools with high needs and categorized as the "hard to teach" schools. Leadership at all levels, campus to central office, will need to support teachers in ways that empower them to help the students. Do you remember that old shampoo commercial where the girl told a friend and she told two and so on and so on. Imagine if one leader empowers one teacher with the knowledge to address issues of discipline, teaching to diverse needs, and so on and so on.

Yes, money is important in order to provide schools with the materials needed, but I think we have bigger issues to deal with that involve developing the repectful and ethical minds of students.