Superintendents’ forum: Celebrating our educators

By: Dr. Jennifer Murray, Reading School District Superintendent

As we navigate the evolving complexities of modern K-12 public education, it is crucial to acknowledge the heart and soul of our schools — our teachers. Teachers are the most critical factor in transforming school buildings into communities of learning. For this reason, true teacher appreciation cannot be relegated to a week in May. Rather, it must be an ongoing commitment to identify, support, and celebrate the dedicated professionals who are responsible for shaping our students’ futures.

Before teachers can be appreciated, they must be identified and cultivated. The nationwide teacher shortage presents a significant challenge to all K-12 institutions. The Reading School District is attempting to overcome this challenge by cultivating our next generation of educators by inspiring our high school students to commit themselves to a career in education.

In coordination with our partners in higher education, RSD has developed a “grow your own” program to encourage high school students to pursue teaching careers and provide them with meaningful support along the way.

This program gives high school students the opportunity to work as tutors and engage with younger learners in our schools. Curriculum and course offerings are tailored to education programs within higher education and even offer the opportunity to earn college credits.

“Grow your own” programs provide career-oriented educational opportunities for students and ensure a pipeline of dedicated educators from within our community. Alongside our “grow your own” program, we are looking at ways to offer affordable housing options for new teachers, particularly those relocating to our area or who would like to remain in the area after completing their local college studies. This effort aims to remove a significant obstacle for new educators considering a move to the Reading area: the high cost and dearth of housing in our community.

Our recruitment efforts are matched by our commitment to retention. We understand that to maintain the best we must offer more than just employment; we must foster a community and a career path that educators are eager to be part of. This includes:

Competitive salaries and benefit plans: We have collaborated extensively with our school board to revise salary structures, making them competitive within the region, recognizing that financial security is essential for long-term commitment. We also manage our benefit plans to ensure our offerings address the health care needs of our employees.
Innovative workshops: These sessions introduce educators to cutting-edge teaching methodologies like project-based learning or STEAM education, tailored specifically to our urban environment’s unique educational needs.
Professional development: We have expanded our professional development offerings, providing more days focused on key areas such as technology integration and trauma-informed practices.
University partnerships: By partnering with local higher education institutions and the Berks County Intermediate Unit through “Level Up Berks,” we offer teachers affordable opportunities to further their education and training, supporting their professional growth and career advancement within the RSD.

Finally, recognition plays a pivotal role in retention. The RSD has prioritized honoring our teachers’ dedication in distinctive ways. For example, as highlighted in the Reading Eagle in November, the district honored the veterans on our staff by awarding them Challenge Coins to acknowledge their dual service to our country and our students.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our teachers. Your dedication is deeply valued, and we are committed to fostering an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally. Let us continue to collaborate to make school institutions not just a place of learning but a beacon of educational excellence where every teacher feels appreciated, supported, and integral to our community’s success.

Article originally published by the Reading Eagle: https://www.readingeagle.com/2025/01/16/superintendents-forum-celebrating-our-educators/