Jefferson County Public Schools announced their expanded partnership across 152 schools with Upbeat, an innovative teacher retention organization led by former teachers and school leaders.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) announced their expanded partnership across 152 schools with Upbeat, an innovative teacher retention organization led by former teachers and school leaders. The district began working with Upbeat in fall 2020, focused on improving retention in 18 of the district's Accelerated Improvement Schools. Since the beginning of the partnership, teacher retention has grown 12.7% across the AIS (CSI) schools, identified by the district through the Kentucky Accountability System.

Upbeat will administer a comprehensive, research-based survey to certified staff across the 152 JCPS schools this fall to measure growth in research-based categories that impact teacher retention, including school climate, hiring and onboarding, professional development, teacher voice/leadership, and teacher appreciation. Extensive research identified the strongest correlates of teacher retention.

"We were able to see immense success and principal buy-in during our pilot program over the last two years," JCPS Chief Human Resources Officer, Dr. Aimee Green-Webb said. "We are excited to continue to partner with Upbeat and roll out the program across all of our schools."

After analyzing the staff engagement data, JCPS district leaders and principals will work with an Upbeat Leadership Coach, a former district or school leader, to examine data and understand key insights in the district's current retention and engagement efforts. Based on their individual school data, each principal will create an action plan with their coach to improve staff morale and culture to improve teacher retention.

"We see the value of using improvement science change cycles as mid-year adjustments are guided by fall data and assessing growth over time occurs with the spring data," JCPS Assistant Director of Employee Retention, Dr. Marco Munoz said. "We use the data for taking actions at the school level, with the leadership of principals and the support of experienced Upbeat coaches in teacher retention."

"Jefferson County has made a strong commitment to improving school culture and retaining teaching staff," Upbeat Founder and CEO Henry Wellington said. "We're excited to grow our partnership and help the district prioritize and focus on what teachers need most."

About Upbeat
Upbeat's unique approach empowers districts with fast data on teachers' opinions through surveys customized to examine the most pressing issues in its schools. The company then equips leaders as partners in implementing research-based strategies that address the identified challenges through tailored toolkits, intervention strategies, and actionable next steps for principals and superintendents.

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Kate Chizek, Upbeat, 1 3193830688, kate@teachupbeat.com

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SOURCE Upbeat