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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:18 Now here's your host, Adam Bush. Happy Monday, everybody.
00:00:18 --> 00:00:21 Welcome back to Your Morning Boost. We are going to kick off an exciting week.
00:00:22 --> 00:00:25 This entire week, I've got a special guest with us. This is Aaron King,
00:00:25 --> 00:00:30 the founder of Inspired Education and the host of the Teacher's Pep Rally podcast.
00:00:30 --> 00:00:34 Erin, welcome to The Morning Boost. Good morning. We're turning our attention
00:00:34 --> 00:00:36 to the future aspiring educators.
00:00:36 --> 00:00:41 These passionate individuals are entering a field that needs them now more than
00:00:41 --> 00:00:44 ever, but they're doing so while facing enormous barriers.
00:00:44 --> 00:00:48 From financial burdens to lack of mentorship, the journey into teaching can
00:00:48 --> 00:00:51 feel more like an obstacle course than a calling.
00:00:51 --> 00:00:54 Let's explore how we as leaders can clear the path forward.
00:00:59 --> 00:01:04 Aspiring teachers are facing two primary challenges, financial strain and a lack of encouragement.
00:01:05 --> 00:01:08 The cost of higher education is soaring and student teaching,
00:01:08 --> 00:01:14 often full-time for an entire semester or year, remains unpaid in more districts.
00:01:14 --> 00:01:18 Many students are taking on second jobs, relying on family support,
00:01:18 --> 00:01:21 or considering leaving the profession before they even begin.
00:01:21 --> 00:01:24 We cannot afford to lose talent at the starting line.
00:01:25 --> 00:01:30 One way school leaders can act is by partnering with local universities to advocate
00:01:30 --> 00:01:33 for stipends or mileage reimbursements for student teachers.
00:01:33 --> 00:01:37 Some districts are even offering small grants or gas cards.
00:01:37 --> 00:01:41 Others are working with state legislators to push for paid student teaching models.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:45 If you're not already engaged in those conversations, consider reaching out
00:01:45 --> 00:01:49 to your state's education associations or policy boards.
00:01:49 --> 00:01:51 Beyond funding, culture matters.
00:01:52 --> 00:01:57 To many, student teachers report hearing phrases like, are you sure you want to do this on day one?
00:01:57 --> 00:02:00 As you know, the tone we set in our building matters.
00:02:01 --> 00:02:05 Every interaction from front office staff to mentor teachers contributes to
00:02:05 --> 00:02:08 the narrative a future teacher carries with them.
00:02:08 --> 00:02:13 We must be intentional in creating welcoming environments that reflect pride
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 in the profession. Mentorship is also key.
00:02:16 --> 00:02:19 Many mentor teachers want to help, but they're stretched thin.
00:02:19 --> 00:02:24 Consider building time into your school day or PLC schedule for reflective coaching
00:02:24 --> 00:02:26 between mentors and student teachers.
00:02:26 --> 00:02:30 Even a 10-minute weekly debrief can make a world of difference.
00:02:30 --> 00:02:35 Look into residency models where candidates can gradually assume teaching responsibilities
00:02:35 --> 00:02:39 while receiving consistent coaching and even summer bridge support before their
00:02:39 --> 00:02:42 first year. And let's not forget innovation.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:46 For example, some universities or using a virtual classroom with student avatars
00:02:46 --> 00:02:51 to help future educators practice classroom management and pacing in real time.
00:02:51 --> 00:02:55 This kind of tool could be a part of district partnership with teacher prep
00:02:55 --> 00:02:58 programs, especially when in-person placements are so limited.
00:02:59 --> 00:03:04 Finally, build a bridge early. Invite aspiring teachers to participate in tutoring
00:03:04 --> 00:03:07 programs, after-school events, or even things like a STEM night.
00:03:07 --> 00:03:11 The earlier they build ties with your school community, the more likely they'll
00:03:11 --> 00:03:13 see themselves teaching there long-term.
00:03:14 --> 00:03:17 Here are three strategies you can use to support aspiring educators.
00:03:18 --> 00:03:23 Advocate locally and legislatively for stipends or paid teaching residencies.
00:03:23 --> 00:03:28 Prioritize mentorship by providing dedicated coaching time and encouraging relationship building.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:33 Connect early by bringing Aspire educators into your school before formal placement.
00:03:33 --> 00:03:37 We're not just preparing teachers, we're shaping the culture they'll enter.
00:03:37 --> 00:03:42 If we want to build a sustainable, passionate workforce, we need to invest in more than recruitment.
00:03:42 --> 00:03:47 We need to build belonging, honor potential, and clear hurdles that stand in their way.
00:03:51 --> 00:03:56 Let's continue to lead with vision, clarity, and compassion because the future
00:03:56 --> 00:04:00 of education is already in our hallways. That is your Morning Boost for today.
00:04:00 --> 00:04:04 I hope it fills you with inspiration and hope, and I look forward to the conversation tomorrow.
00:04:05 --> 00:04:08 And a big thank you to Aaron King for joining us and again this whole week.
00:04:08 --> 00:04:12 So look forward to some more great conversations and more words of wisdom from Aaron.
00:04:12 --> 00:04:15 Thank you for listening. We will talk with you again tomorrow.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:19 You have been listening to your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:04:19 --> 00:04:21 with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:04:21 --> 00:04:26 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:04:27 --> 00:04:31 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:04:31 --> 00:04:35 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.