Teacher Retention Academy says school leadership is key to keeping teachers

Teacher Retention Academy founder Dr. Mary Rivers says teacher retention now depends heavily on educational leadership, not just pay or policy. The Victorville, California, group is urging school and district leaders to focus on culture, communication and teacher support to reduce turnover.

Why it matters: - Teacher retention affects school stability, teacher morale and student continuity. - Rivers argues leaders can shape the daily conditions that influence whether teachers stay in the profession and at a specific school. - The academy frames retention as an ongoing leadership responsibility, not just a response to resignations.

What happened: - Dr. Mary Rivers, a retired educator and founder of Teacher Retention Academy, said educational leadership is the most critical factor in today’s teacher-retention environment. - The statement was released by Teacher Retention Academy in Victorville, California, on Oct. 9, 2026. - Rivers said leaders cannot control every factor affecting teachers, but they can influence many of the conditions teachers experience every day.

The details: - School and district leaders affect workplace culture, communication, trust, recognition, professional support and teacher voice. - Rivers said retention should be part of daily leadership, not something addressed only after a teacher decides to leave. - Teacher Retention Academy asks leaders a central question: Do I know what it is like to be a teacher in my school today? - The academy says that question can help leaders identify teacher needs, remove unnecessary challenges and strengthen what is already working. - Teacher Retention Academy offers professional learning, consultation, resources and practical strategies for educational leaders. - The group’s messaging centers on the idea that leadership shapes the teacher experience in a changing education environment. - The release includes the academy’s website, teacherretentionacademy.com. - The release also lists Dr. Mary Rivers’ contact number as +1 760-963-6351. - The release links to the academy’s LinkedIn profile and YouTube channel.

Between the lines: - The message shifts the retention conversation from isolated turnover fixes to broader school climate and leadership practices. - That framing suggests teacher retention may improve when administrators treat support, trust and communication as core management duties. - The release is also positioned as a leadership advisory message, not a research report or policy announcement.

What's next: - Teacher Retention Academy is likely to continue promoting leadership-focused training and consulting for schools and districts. - Rivers is encouraging leaders to evaluate teacher experience before turnover becomes a problem. - The academy’s next step appears to be helping administrators make retention a routine part of leadership practice.