This video is available as a NAESPA membership benefit or for a limited time as a conference attendee.
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Prioritizing Retention and Recruitment: What Really Works
Amid a national educator shortage, leaders must be strategic in recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff to ensure students receive excellent instruction. While a quick internet search offers countless gimmicky solutions, the persistence of the shortage proves there’s no easy fix. At Grant Elementary—where teacher retention consistently exceeds 95%—we explored why educators choose to stay. Their insights revealed a mix of simple practices and strategies requiring thoughtful planning. The good news: everything we do here can be replicated in any school, at any level.
This talk was presented at:
2026 National ESEA Conference
February 2026
in
Denver, CO
For more information:
heather.calvert@kckps.org and heike.klein@kckps.org
Speakers
Heather Calvert
Dr. Heather Calvert has led Grant Elementary since 2019. Since that time, the retention rate of staff has consistently been above 95%. Dr. Calvert has been recognized as a Rise and Retain leader, and Grant has been awarded the Rise and Retain district award. Grant has also been awarded the Dotte Proud award by the Wyandotte County Mayor.
Heike Klein
Heike Klein has been at Grant Elementary since 2018. Since that time, the retention rate of staff has consistently been above 95%. Grant has also been awarded the Dotte Proud award by the Wyandotte County Mayor. She consistently has one of the highest rates in the district for teachers requesting coaching cycles.
ESEA Network
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
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admin@eseanetwork.org | 800-256-6452
532 North Franklin Street | Fort Bragg, CA 95437
About Us
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
Connect with Us
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