BJE Launches Training to Help Schools Increase Teacher Retention

BJE’s Early Childhood Directors Network (ECDN) met recently for the first in a three-part series on Reflective Supervision, led by expert and coach Shelley Lawrence. Reflective Supervision is a leadership approach through which a director or supervisor guides and supports staff members through challenges they face working with young children and their families. The approach has proven successful in early childhood settings, helping teachers cope with stress, improving their confidence and ultimately helping reduce teacher turnover by offering support that leads to improved teacher retention.

“Coming out of the pandemic, teacher retention has been an enormous challenge for schools everywhere, and particularly in early childhood,” said Carly Rosenstein, BJE Director of the Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. “This year, we’re diving deep into learning about Reflective Supervision to help our directors focus on meaningful retention practices as a means of addressing the teacher shortage crisis. Starting our training in August, before school begins, helps them and the teachers they supervise have a running start.”

This session’s focus was on 'seeing' each member of staff. Building strong relationships is a key first step in Reflective Supervision, ensuring that classroom observation and feedback will be better received.

Sara Greisman, Director of Gan West Preschool, participated in the program. “Thank you, Carly, for organizing this wonderful event! It was great to get a head start and a reminder before the school year starts, on realigning my role in the success of the staff.”

The other sessions will be held on in October and February and will focus more specifically on how to engage in the practice of Reflective Supervision. The program is open to any member of BJE’s Early Childhood Directors’ Network. You do not need to have attended the first in order to attend the others.

BJE’s Early Childhood Directors' Network provides directors with a place to share resources, receive professional support from peers and engage in high-level professional development specifically designed for those running Jewish Early Childhood Centers. The network is open to all directors and assistant directors at BJE-affiliated schools.

For information about resources for early childhood schools or educators, contact Carly Rosenstein, 323-761-8623.