A new year offers a moment to pause, reflect and imagine what is possible together. Across schools and communities, educators and leaders continue to show up with care and commitment. They shape their futures through the relationships they build and the support they give and receive. At CLEE, we begin this year with gratitude and hope, grounded in the belief that when people feel supported, leadership lasts and school communities grow stronger.
The Key to Retaining Leaders and Teachers: A Clear System of Support
Principal turnover continues to rise. Teacher burnout continues to grow. Schools are losing experienced educators at the very moment students need stability and strong relationships most.
Districts that invest in principal support see different results. When principals receive sustained guidance, they build trust, collaboration and clarity across their schools. Teachers feel connected, valued and ready to grow. This is why CLEE designs every program to strengthen leadership at multiple levels.
CLEE’s Equity Leader Accelerator Program (ELAP) is one example of this approach in action. In the program, principals receive two years of structured support that includes individualized coaching, mentoring from experienced leaders and ongoing learning with peers. The goal remains simple and ambitious: build lasting leadership that strengthens the school community.
Here is what we are seeing
In our latest ELAP evaluation:
- 90 percent of participating principals remained in their districts after two years
- Retention among leaders of color exceeded that overall rate
- Participants reported stronger staff relationships and deeper commitment to their schools
Schools led by principals who stay longer can develop stronger team culture. Teachers experience more consistent support, clearer direction for student learning and more meaningful opportunities to lead.
Districts focused on retaining educators should begin by investing in leadership support that strengthens teacher practice and commitment across the school.
Ready to build a stronger leadership pipeline? CLEE partners with districts to design programs that meet your goals. Encourage an aspiring principal to join the Principal Residency Network, connect your team to CLEE’s Community of Practice or explore Leadership Coaching for personalized support.
Strategic Planning That Builds Community Buy-In
Many districts face June deadlines for new or updated strategic plans. Make this moment more than completing a compliance task. Create an opportunity to build a plan that reflects the priorities, needs, and aspirations of the community you serve.
CLEE’s strategic planning support centers on stakeholder and community input from the start. Staff, students, families, and community members shape the vision, priorities, and actions through structured, efficient engagement. This approach builds shared responsibility and lasting buy-in, so the plan belongs to the community rather than living on a shelf.
“CLEE’s collaborative process has been key to our progress. CLEE has tools at every step to quickly gather input and feedback from students, parents, and staff. This collaboration allows me to fully listen and participate with stakeholders rather than being seen as the leader in the process. Importantly, the plan belongs to all of us.”
— Sheila Hoffman, Superintendent, Agawam Public Schools
CLEE facilitators guide a research-based process that keeps timelines on track while allowing leaders to focus on listening and learning. Over approximately four months, steering committees and community members work together to define goals, clarify actions, and establish outcomes that guide decision-making for the next three to five years and inform required district and school improvement plans.
If your district has a June deadline, now is the time to start. Contact Michelle to schedule a strategic planning conversation and secure support for the months ahead.
Evidence-based leadership support that’s fully funded.
With PLANS, leaders receive individualized coaching and teams engage in collaborative improvement work designed to accelerate measurable results.
Learn how PLANS helps districts retain leaders and impact outcomes at no cost
CLEE’s virtual Community of Practice connects educators and leaders across roles and contexts to learn from peers, exchange focused feedback and strengthen practice through real challenges shared in community.
Dates
1/29, 2/24, 3/26, 4/30, 2026
4-5:30pm (Eastern)
Facilitator Training builds your capacity to lead with purpose and to strengthen collaboration among colleagues. You will sharpen facilitation skills and practice using collaborative tools to share leadership, expand perspectives and generate improvements centered on student impact.
Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? For over 25 years, CLEE’s Principal Residency Network (PRN) has helped aspiring leaders step into principal roles with confidence. Join an info session to learn how to get certified in RI or MA while gaining real-world experience.
Virtual Info Sessions
• January 13, 2026
• February 3, 2026
• March 2, 2026
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Each month, CLEE offers a question or two to help you reflect on what you are experiencing. Thinking about the importance of questioning and what your answers mean is one more step in your growth as a leader.
Join CLEE on social media to follow the monthly questions and share your answers.