• 19 min
Episode 8: The Fiscal Side of Education Staffing
Wake Up and Teach
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One of the biggest challenges facing school districts today is how to staff their classrooms effectively and sustainably in the face of tight budgets, rising costs, and a persistent educator shortage. Across the country, school leaders are being asked to do more with less, and it's clear that traditional models of staffing and support are no longer enough. That's why in the latest episode of Wake Up and Teach from Kelly Education, Nicola Soares sat down with Kelly Coash-Johnson, Executive Director of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA), to dive deep into the fiscal realities districts are facing, and to explore innovative strategies for building a stronger, more resilient education workforce.
Navigating a Tough Financial Landscape
As Coash-Johnson emphasized, school districts across the country are grappling with increasingly difficult financial circumstances. With the loss of federal ESSER funding and rising operational costs, budgets are being squeezed tighter than ever. A major challenge districts face is maintaining competitive wages to attract and retain educators, especially when private sector salaries continue to climb. Healthcare and pension costs are also rising sharply, putting additional strain on already limited resources.
One of the most striking points Kelly made is that while salaries and benefits are critical, they alone won't solve the staffing crisis. The national educator shortage persists, and unless we address systemic challenges beyond just financial incentives, we risk falling further behind. At Kelly Education, we recognize the urgency of this call to action, and we're proud to work alongside school districts in developing innovative solutions.
Strategic Staffing and Long-Term Solutions
The conversation also explored how districts are moving beyond short-term fixes and beginning to rethink their staffing models for long-term sustainability. Coash-Johnson highlighted how many districts are conducting strategic staffing evaluations, HR audits, and climate surveys to better understand their unique needs. Asking the right questions: what’s working, what’s not, and what resources are truly needed, has helped districts find cost-saving measures that actually make a difference.
Flexibility emerged as a recurring theme. Districts are embracing creative staffing solutions like building substitute programs, shared staffing agreements between neighboring districts, and expanding partnerships with external organizations. One of the most exciting trends Coash-Johnson discussed is the rise of "grow your own" and apprenticeship programs that build the local educator pipeline while strengthening ties to the community. At Kelly Education, we've seen firsthand how investing in local talent leads to more resilient and connected school communities.
The Power of Professional Development
Another major focus of the episode was the role of professional development (PD) in retention and recruitment strategies. Kelly made a compelling case that PD is not just a “nice to have” but a critical investment, especially when districts are competing with private sector employers who have long prioritized career development opportunities.
Differentiating PD by career stage and content area is essential. New teachers, mid-career educators, and seasoned veterans all have different needs, and PD programs must reflect that diversity. Even with tight budgets, districts can leverage community partnerships, state-level supports, and grant opportunities to offer more targeted and meaningful professional development.
At Kelly Education, we firmly believe that professional development should extend to every educator, including substitute teachers, because building a strong culture of support benefits the entire educational ecosystem.
Success Stories to Inspire Change
Coash-Johnson also shared inspiring examples from districts that are overcoming financial challenges through innovative practices. Across the country, school districts are redesigning onboarding and mentoring programs to foster stronger connections, build professional skills, and improve retention rates. Initiatives like "total rewards" programs, which take a holistic view of employee benefits and needs, are making a real impact.
One standout example was from St. Charles Parish in Louisiana, where leaders revamped their mentor and induction programs with a focus on building community and fostering early career success. By embedding new teachers into the culture of their schools from day one, they’re not just filling vacancies, they’re building thriving, supportive learning environments.
Examples like St. Charles Parish remind us that even in the face of budget cuts and uncertainty, innovation is possible. Through creative staffing models, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to supporting educators, school districts can and are finding ways to succeed.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Shared Best Practices
The team-based approach involves groups of educators working together to teach larger cohorts of students. This method not only distributes the workload more evenly but also fosters a sense of community and support among teachers. By interacting with a broader range of colleagues, teachers can share ideas, strategies, and support, which mitigates the feelings of isolation and burnout.
As we look to the future, Kelly Coash-Johnson offered some simple but powerful advice: stay connected. Sharing best practices across districts, staying engaged with professional associations like AASPA, and learning from one another can spark real change. In an environment where financial pressures threaten professional development opportunities, it’s more important than ever to prioritize collaboration and ongoing learning.
At Kelly Education, we are deeply committed to supporting school leaders, HR professionals, and educators as they navigate these challenges. We believe that by working together and lifting each other up, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for education.
We hope you’ll listen to the full episode of Wake Up and Teach to hear even more valuable insights from Kelly Coash-Johnson. And if you enjoy the conversation, please consider leaving us a rating or review. It helps us reach and support even more education professionals across the country.
Together, let’s reimagine the future of education staffing.
Click here to listen to the entire episode of Wake Up And Teach, presented by Kelly Education.