ACI’s Center for Success in High-Need Schools teacher retention initiatives encourage long-term teacher commitment to high-need classrooms by establishing effective communities of principals, faculty, and staff at high-need schools, supporting new teachers with professional development that strengthens key areas of professional practice, and disseminating new knowledge on improving teaching and learning in high-need schools through diverse media, public and professional events. The Center  seeks to inspire others to replicate our successful models and to develop their own creative solutions that help all students reach their full potential.

The Center has made significant advances in the area of teacher retention.  Over 300 new teachers working in high-need schools have participated in the Center’s Teacher Induction Academies, which occur four times a year in two regions of Illinois.  The Teacher Induction Academy offers state-approved CPDUs, and support and mentoring from veteran teachers and teacher educators.

Over 400 new teachers have used the Center’s Mentor Online initiative that offers dialog with veteran teacher moderators on topics from classroom management to assessment via an online blog.

Also, fifteen new principals have participated in the Center’s Principals Forum which offers professional development and support for school leaders, 87% of whom report it is “highly likely” they will find immediate use for the materials and information learned at the Forum and 78% plan to return to upcoming Forums.

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