Back to School 2025: Creating a Culture Where Teachers Thrive

In this 3-part back-to-school blog series, we look at three topics important to engaging and supporting students, teachers, and families, to start the school year off right. 

Dr. Julie A. Evans is the CEO of Project Tomorrow and the founder of the Speak Up Research Project. Dr. Evans has a passion for helping education leaders embrace change and innovation and recognize the importance of listening to the voices of their stakeholders, notably students. She is a graduate of Brown University and earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California, San Diego and California State University San Marco.  

For over 25 years, Project Tomorrow has championed collaboration and innovation in education, driven by a determined pursuit of “win-win-win” outcomes for our partners and stakeholders. Our mission has always been clear: to deeply understand the evolving needs of K-12 education and leverage its vast network of resources to develop impactful solutions that directly address the challenges faced by students, teachers, administrators and families. 

As the 2025–26 school year approaches, one priority is topping every administrator’s list: staffing schools with the right people—and keeping them. 

According to our Spring 2025 National U.S. Spring Survey, addressing educator and staff vacancies rose from the #4 challenge in 2024 to the #3 challenge this year. The stakes are high: vacancies disrupt learning, increase burnout, and erode school culture. 

But there’s good news. Districts aren’t just focused on hiring—they’re focused on building communities where educators feel supported, inspired, and proud to stay. And one of the most effective recruitment tools isn’t a job board or bonus—it’s a strong culture of teacher support. 

5 Ways to Cultivate a Teacher-Forward Culture

Here are five ways schools can start the year by cultivating a teacher-forward culture that attracts and retains top talent.  

Make “welcome back” feel like “welcome home” 

The first days of school set the tone for everyone—including teachers. Skip the one-size-fits-all PD marathon and focus on belonging. Personalize onboarding, create time for reconnection, and allow space for teachers to prep and ground themselves. A warm, thoughtful welcome shows teachers they’re valued. 

Let teachers tell the story  

Don’t just describe your district’s culture—show it through authentic teacher voices. Use real stories, videos, or testimonials to highlight why educators love working there. Candidates want to hear from future peers, not just HR. Spotlight your commitment to innovation, work-life balance, and growth. 

Prioritize planning time, not just pay  

Competitive pay matters—but protected time is priceless. Build schedules that give teachers space to plan, collaborate, and recharge. When candidates see that your district respects both their time and talent, they take notice. 

Create growth pathways  

Teachers stay where they grow. Offer coaching, mentoring, and professional learning tailored to different experience levels. Provide clear opportunities for leadership—whether through mentoring, PLCs, or district initiatives. When educators see a future with you, they’re more likely to stay and lead. 

Celebrate progress, not perfection  

Start the year with a culture of encouragement. Recognize effort, growth, and creativity—whether it’s a student breakthrough, a strong team collaboration, or a lesson that landed. Public appreciation and private gratitude go a long way in retaining passionate educators. 

Keep your learning going! Read blog posts from Dr. Julie A. Evans and Project Tomorrow, focused on building stronger connections with families  or  boosting student attendance.

Final thoughts  

In the rush to fill roles, it’s easy to focus on numbers. But behind every vacancy is a person looking for purpose, connection, and growth. 

To truly recruit and retain great educators, we must offer more than a contract—we must spark something meaningful. A spark of professional passion. A spark of belonging. A spark that fuels those bright moments—for teachers and students alike.