Research shows about 50% of new teachers leave within their first 5 years. This number increases to about 75% turnover within the first five years for teachers in high-poverty communities.

The natural instinct is to place additional focus on recruitment efforts to replace those that leave.

But what would happen if the thought processes changes from focusing on recruitment efforts and instead school leaders focus on increasing new-hire retention? What would that mean for their current teachers, how much time is spent interviewing, and the relationships built with students?