Dara Klein
Teach Blue Fellow
Teaching is some of the most rewarding work that one could do, but it is also arguably the hardest. We need to research and implement creative new ways to make sure teachers feel supported in their roles, bringing greater satisfaction and sustainability to the teaching profession, which ultimately will translate to improved student outcomes.
Problem of Practice
It has been heavily reported that both across the state of Michigan and at a national level, K-12 schools are facing extreme staffing challenges. It has been difficult for districts to fill positions at all levels, and higher than ever teacher turnover is having a profound negative impact on school culture. The need to attract and retain high-impact teachers is real, because the stakes have never been higher: post-Covid achievement gaps are wide, chronic absenteeism is at an all-time-high, and youth mental health concerns are skyrocketing. How can innovative, strategic staffing solutions help us attract and keep the best teachers in the classroom?
About Dara Klein
Dara leads Talent Development & Recruitment at Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences. Before moving into the talent space, she spent over 10 years working in charter schools as a Special Education Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal.
Dara earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Education at University of Michigan (go Blue!), Masters in Special Education and Ed.S in Educational Leadership at National Louis University, and recently completed a Certificate in School Management and Leadership with Harvard Business School/Harvard Graduate School of Education Online.
Dara is passionate about educational equity and educator sustainability.
Accounts from Dara Klein
The new Model Teacher program has proven to be a fully-functional structure that supports positive student experiences and stronger staff teams.
Across the country, teachers are leaving the classroom in droves for a variety of reasons. Low pay has long been lamented as one of the reasons, but there is more to it than this.