Despite a widespread teacher shortage in Michigan, FlexTech High School in Brighton has retained 100% of their teaching staff from last school year. This is a significant accomplishment in the current education climate, where districts are competing for a decreasing pool of qualified teacher candidates.
Research shows that high teacher turnover undermines student achievement and poses a financial burden to districts. FlexTech High School mitigated these negative impacts of teacher attrition by focusing on what they call the “4 Cs of teacher retention”: culture, collaboration, compensation and careers.
FlexTech High School is a tuition-free public charter school that offers a project-based curriculum and flexible scheduling. This unique model has attracted several dedicated teachers, such as science instructor Faith Austad, who is inspired by the school’s student-centered culture.
“I enjoy providing the students with engaging learning experiences that focus on real-world skills that translate beyond the standards,” Austad said. “Project-based learning and smaller class sizes provide a level of opportunity and support that may not occur in a more traditional classroom.”
Other staff members agree that teaching in a project-based environment is both meaningful and liberating.
“The challenge of designing projects makes being a teacher at FlexTech rewarding. I feel that I am constantly developing and refining my craft as a teacher,” said Joseph Lieberman, a 10-year veteran humanities teacher at FlexTech.
The teachers also credit the school’s collaborative and supportive staff culture for their satisfaction. English teacher Lesa Doa shared how much she appreciates the mutual collaboration between administration, teachers and students.
“This type of collaboration helps foster a healthy and productive learning environment where creativity is valued,” she said.
Participation protocols, transparent communication, staff feedback surveys, and an open-door policy, have all increased feelings of belonging and school pride.
Nick Wasmer, Executive Director, shared that he, too, was first drawn to the school’s innovative approach, but knows that, ultimately, a positive school and work culture boils down to the capacity of the team.
“What keeps me at FlexTech is that we have a team of committed teachers who truly put students first,” Wasmer said. “When the entire team believes in the vision of individualized supportive education, that makes the work more rewarding for everyone involved.”
The school administration invested in improving overall teacher compensation packages, ensuring that FlexTech teachers earn competitive salaries and benefits. Every single teacher received a salary increase this year.
Additionally, the leadership team has focused on providing meaningful professional development and career advancement opportunities for teachers who want to assume additional leadership responsibilities.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities to act as a teacher leader in my school and imagine possibilities in education outside the classroom,” said Lieberman, who often facilitates professional development for educators in the FlexTech network.
The FlexTech team said the key is providing ample planning time, opportunities for input, space to work with colleagues, and the chance to take risks. “The more time a teacher has to prep, plan, and collaborate, the more effective and satisfied they will be,” said Austad.
