Hats off to Vancouver School District

This week we tip our hats to the Vancouver School District for their innovation and insight in recruiting and retaining the next generation of teachers.

On Tuesday, I watched a live chat via Education Week on what it takes to recruit and retain a great district teaching staff. And who should be the authority on this subject? Two administrators from Washington’s very own Vancouver School District, that’s who!

The 22,000-student district recently completed a systemic reorganization of its human resources program that emphasizes core values and career growth, and integrates new strategies in workforce planning, recruitment, compensation, mentoring and induction, professional development, and evaluation. I know, I know...what the heck does that mean? Well, check out this blog from back in August for a bit more detail on exactly how the HR department in Vancouver works.

As a result of these changes, Vancouver has replaced 70 percent of its full-time teachers and has a cumulative retention rate of 91 percent! It reports that it now attracts nearly 4,000 candidate contacts for every 200 job openings, and is able to select the top five percent of its candidate pool. How great for the students who go to school in Vancouver, WA! The district has received awards in recognition of its recruitment and support practices.

Lee Goeke, the Vancouver's associate superintendent of human resources management, and Ed Wilgus, the district professional development manager, did a wonderful job fielding an extraordinary number of complex questions (on a no less complex topic) from teachers, administrators, ed-watchers and academics from across the nation. Read the transcript of the live chat to learn more about Vancouver’s path to effective education HR.

Hats off to Vancouver for demonstrating the power and possibility of supporting and retaining quality teachers!