--- title: "How I’m Starting the School Year Strong: 3 Moves to Keep Great Teachers on My Team" description: Principal Sara Sutton shares 3 research-based strategies to boost teacher retention and start the school year strong. image: https://teachupbeat.com/hubfs/AAEE%20-%20National%20Working%20Group/workinggroup_image.png --- ###### [teacher retention](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/tag/teacher-retention) ###### [teacher engagement](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/tag/teacher-engagement) ###### [leadership](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/tag/leadership) # How I’m Starting the School Year Strong: 3 Moves to Keep Great Teachers on My Team ![Sara Sutton](https://teachupbeat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshot%20Sara%20Sutton.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=Headshot%20Sara%20Sutton.jpg) By Sara Sutton 2 min read Aug 5, 2025 ##### Share - - - - [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://teachupbeat.com/blog/how-im-starting-the-school-year-strong-3-moves-to-keep-great-teachers-on-my-team&body=Check%20out%20https://teachupbeat.com/blog/how-im-starting-the-school-year-strong-3-moves-to-keep-great-teachers-on-my-team&media=https://2914128.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2914128/AAEE%20-%20National%20Working%20Group/workinggroup_image.png](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://teachupbeat.com/blog/how-im-starting-the-school-year-strong-3-moves-to-keep-great-teachers-on-my-team&body=Check%20out%20https://teachupbeat.com/blog/how-im-starting-the-school-year-strong-3-moves-to-keep-great-teachers-on-my-team&media=https://2914128.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/2914128/AAEE%20-%20National%20Working%20Group/workinggroup_image.png) As a principal, I know that how we start the school year sets the tone for everything that follows. And after the past few years—of staff shortages, teacher burnout, and constant change—I’m more focused than ever on one thing: **retaining the great teachers already in our building**. We work with Upbeat to gather data on teacher engagement along with creating a positive school culture, and the message is clear: when teachers feel heard, supported, and part of something meaningful, they stay. So this year, I’m strategically planning back-to-school with three intentional leadership moves —each grounded in research, experience, and impact. ## **1. Start with Trust, Not Just Tasks ** Like many principals, I’ve been guilty of jumping straight into logistics: schedules, rosters, and trainings, but I’ve learned that before we ask anything of our teachers, we need to reconnect with them as people. Same goes for our students. This year, I’m kicking things off by: - Sharing our school’s “why” and the story of how far we’ve come - Sending out “You Belong Here” signals - Being transparent about challenges and what’s in our control - Hosting small-group check-ins to ask: *What would make this year a great one for you?* - * * It may sound simple, but these early moments of trust-building lay the foundation for everything else. ## **2. Use Data to Guide Conversations, Not Just Compliance** Upbeat’s teacher engagement survey is one of the first things we use each year. We don’t treat it like a report card—we treat it like a conversation starter. When I reviewed our early-year data, I noticed: - All teachers consistently need clarity through the overcommunication of roles, responsibilities, and goals. - Veteran teachers were craving more leadership and decision making opportunities. - Work-life balance is hard, and we need to help teachers find a way to thrive. Instead of guessing, we asked teachers what they needed. Then we co-created a few action steps—small, focused, and doable. This builds trust and shows teachers that their voice shapes the year ahead.  ## **3. Invest in My Own Leadership (So I Can Support Theirs)** Here’s something I’ve learned: if I’m scattered and reactive, it shows. That’s why I’ve committed to regular coaching with Upbeat this year. My coach helps me: - Focus on what matters most (and say no to distractions) - Stay accountable to my goals—even when the day gets hectic - Create a school culture where every teacher feels seen Teacher retention isn’t just about what we ask of our staff—it’s also about how we show up as leaders. Coaching helps me stay grounded so I can support my team the way they deserve. ![Infographic Principal Moves](https://teachupbeat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Infographic%20Principal%20Moves.png?width=408&height=765&name=Infographic%20Principal%20Moves.png) ## **Final Thought** The truth is, I can’t control every variable. But I *can* control how we begin. By leading with transparency, using real data, and getting support for my leadership , I’m starting the year with clarity—and a renewed commitment to keeping great teachers here. If you’re a school leader trying to figure out how to hold on to your staff this year, my advice is simple: **start with connection, not control.** Author: Sara Sutton, Principal Liberty High School, Jefferson County Public Schools (KY)  ### Subscribe to Our Blog ## Check out our blog. [![HR leaders discussing teacher retention strategies during the Upbeat webinar with Cook County SD 130](https://teachupbeat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/op2.jpg?width=900&name=op2.jpg) ](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/teacher-retention-strategies-that-actually-work-lessons-from-cook-county-sd-130) ###### [teacher retention](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/tag/teacher-retention) ###### [teacher engagement](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/tag/teacher-engagement) ###### [K-12](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/tag/k-12) ###### [HR Leadership](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/tag/hr-leadership) ##### [Teacher Retention Strategies That Actually Work: Lessons from Cook County SD 130](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/teacher-retention-strategies-that-actually-work-lessons-from-cook-county-sd-130) Jun 22, 2026 2min read Replacing a single teacher can cost a district between $9,000 and $21,000, acc. 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[Read More](https://teachupbeat.com/blog/upbeat-successfully-completes-soc-2-examination) ![New logo](https://teachupbeat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page%20Images/Old%20Upbeat%20Logos/New%20logo.png?width=235&height=86&name=New%20logo.png "New logo") Upbeat is a K-12 education research and consulting company that focuses exclusively on K-12 staff retention through our research-backed survey tool and personalized leadership coaching services.   ###### *[learn@teachupbeat.com](mailto:learn@teachupbeat.com)* (719) 299-0826 ##### Follow Us [mailto:learn@teachupbeat.com](mailto:learn@teachupbeat.com) [Privacy Policy](https://teachupbeat.com/privacypolicy?hsLang=en) [Terms of Use](https://teachupbeat.com/termsofuse?hsLang=en) © 2026 All rights reserved. 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