Over the next year, teams representing four Lawrence Township schools will collaborate with external design-thinking experts who will lead them in identifying challenges impacting teachers and pilot innovative, teacher-driven solutions. Meet the first cohort of school-teams in our Reimagining the Teacher Role (RTR) Cohort.

Key Lessons on Teacher Retention

After working with four school-based teams of educators in the Reimagining the Teacher Role Cohort over the course of a year, we’ve identified key teacher development and retention insights:

  • Listen to Teachers – If we want teachers to stay, we must ask for their input and truly listen.
  • Leadership Matters – Teachers value professional experiences that position them as leaders beyond the classroom.
  • Connection is Critical – Teachers crave collaboration and meaningful relationships with other adults.
  • Confidence Grows Through Problem-Solving – Empowering teachers to solve real challenges builds their confidence and impact.
  • System-Shaping Roles Matter – Schools and districts should create opportunities for teachers to shape systems, solve problems, and strengthen relationships.
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MEET THE BELZER MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM

The Belzer school-based team consists of Jessica Smith, Patrick Kennedy, and Sabrina Tiggs.

MEET THE FALL CREEK VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM

Cherisse Anderson, Dan Bailey, DeAndre Pierce, and Melina Anderson make up the school-based team from Fall Creek Valley.

MEET THE LAWRENCE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL TEAM

The Lawrence Central school-based team is Abby Lebo, Amber Leonhard, Franklyn Bush and Rachel Anderson.

MEET THE LAWRENCE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL TEAM

Ann Marie Gerritsen, Kristen Parks, Sydni Jennings and Tonya Fisher make up the school-based team for Lawrence North High School.

In The News

Find out more about the experience of cohort one in our recent articles and local media features:

  • WTHR: Lawrences partnering with non-profit group to address teacher shortage in Lawrence
  • Mirror Indy: Why are teachers leaving the classroom? Lawrence Township plans to find out
  • IndyStar: A new initiative looks to Lawrence Township teachers to improve teacher retention
  • Chalkbeat Indiana: Lawrence Schools want to find out why educators love their jobs, but why they are leaving

Hear what cohort one participants have to say about their experience:

“I loved being able to walk through the process of design thinking. It was great to hear from everyone & get different view points and thoughts.”

“Everything went well and the activities and collaboration made a lasting impression.”

Interested in Learning More About Future Cohorts?

School leaders, administrators, and teachers can fill out the form below and a member of our team will follow up.

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