Summary:

In this episode of the HR Impact show, host Dr. Jim welcomes Dr. Leslie Bergstrom to explore leadership strategies within the K-12 education space. Dr. Bergstrom shares her insights on employee development and retention, particularly in educational settings where each decision can significantly influence both educators and students' futures.

Dr. Bergstrom underscores how budget constraints and the attrition of teachers from the profession shape her approach to talent management. With the Oregon School District's diverse urban, suburban, and rural landscapes acting as the backdrop, she discusses the importance of creating a cohesive talent strategy that marries these distinct ecosystems.

Key Takeaways:

Cultivating internal talent is as crucial as sourcing new educators, and the Oregon School District's leadership development initiatives exemplify effective strategies to encourage growth within the organization.
Time and flexibility emerged as significant themes in retaining educators, leading to innovative approaches to the school calendar and daily scheduling.
Dr. Bergstrom's participatory approach in the hiring process, including one-on-one interviews for all professional staff, sets a precedent for personnel investment and shapes the candidate experience positively.
Implementing leadership opportunities such as the administrative intern program fosters talent growth even when educators do not pursue formal administrative roles.
Stay interviews provided critical insights into why educators remain in the profession, prompting a focus on manageable workloads and job satisfaction.

Chapters: