Recognition Doesn't Cost Money - Teacher Retention

In response to an anonymous comment:

Anonymous,

I was not aware that the teachers picked out there own gifts for these awards, that is too bad, however this is beside the point. What I am getting at and suggesting is that gifts are a hollow reminder of the dedication and service; employees of the Fort Vermilion School Division give to their students. A fitting tribute and honest recognition does not assume a price tag, rather friendly sentiments from past students or a genuine speech by fellow coworkers as an example. What I am suggesting does not cost money; it is an atmosphere that keeps people happy and content. Maybe school divisions elsewhere do not do anything different than what currently happens in this school division but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to be better.

You are very right in saying that teachers and other families in this town leave for completely unrelated issues and those are the ones that we can do little about, however; the other teachers that are leaving because they feel isolated or have a lack of social opportunity are the focus and can contribute a large part to increasing the quality of the education for the students of the Fort Vermilion School Division.

We shouldn’t stop trying just because we are in the North - we should try harder because of it.

Again, I appreciate the comments.

Regards,
Aaron