• 26 min
Episode 5: How Workforce Planning Drives Student Success
Wake Up and Teach
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At Kelly Education, we believe that empowering educators is the key to unlocking student success. In this episode, our President Nicola Soares sits down with Dr. Dan Sims, Superintendent of Bibb County School District in Georgia, to explore what it really takes to build a resilient, effective education workforce.
With nearly three decades in public education, Dr. Sims shares the strategies behind his district’s innovative approach to workforce planning — strategies that have far-reaching implications for schools across the country.
A Theory of Action That Starts with Staff
At the heart of Bibb County’s strategy is a clear and compelling “theory of action”: student achievement is directly linked to workforce effectiveness. Dr. Sims outlines four foundational pillars of their strategic plan.
Staff Wellness: Bibb County recognizes that happy, healthy educators are the backbone of student success. From school-based wellness initiatives to leadership that values staff as human beings first, the district is intentional about supporting educator well-being.
Differentiated Capacity Building: One-size-fits-all professional development doesn’t cut it anymore. Bibb County is pioneering a model where PD is tailored to individual educators’ needs—meeting them where they are, aligning training with student needs, and helping teachers thrive.
Recognition and Celebration: Celebrating success isn't optional, it's essential. Dr. Sims believes that acknowledging achievement boosts morale and fuels motivation. This culture of appreciation reinforces that every educator’s contribution matters.
Performance and Accountability: Using what Dr. Sims calls the “Three Holds”: Hold Accountable, Hold Able, and Hold Close, Bibb County provides constructive feedback, high expectations, and human connection. Evaluations are reframed as tools for growth, not punishment.
Making Strategic Planning a Living Document
Too often, strategic plans gather dust. Not in Bibb County. Dr. Sims emphasizes that their plan is constantly revisited, evaluated, and refined. It’s not just a checklist, it’s a daily practice. This iterative approach ensures alignment between leadership vision and day-to-day realities. Importantly, the process remains collaborative. Staff, students, families, and community members all have a seat at the table, strengthening collective ownership and buy-in.
Supporting and Empowering Educators in Real Time
Burnout is real, and widespread. Dr. Sims addresses it head-on, advocating for systems that empower educators through development, voice, and visibility.
- Wellness audits: Each school shares its wellness practices, ensuring accountability and idea-sharing across the district.
- Competitive compensation: Salaries and growth opportunities are reviewed to show educators they are valued.
- Aspiring Leaders programs: Bibb County invests in its pipeline, helping teachers become leaders through mentorship and training.
- Walkthroughs with feedback: Observations are used to support teachers, not to police them, making professional growth a motivator, not a stressor.
- Listening platforms: From advisory councils to anonymous feedback systems, teacher voices are not only heard, they’re acted upon.
Extending the Circle: Substitutes, Support Staff, and the Whole Village
Dr. Sims is adamant: if someone interacts with students, they deserve development and respect. From substitute teachers to custodians and cafeteria workers, all staff are included in Bibb County’s effectiveness plan. Innovative partnerships, like Elevate K12, pair virtual certified teachers with in-person support staff to maintain instructional quality despite staffing shortages. Training days and professional development opportunities are expanding for all employee groups, because everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
A Call to Action for Education Leaders
Toward the end of the episode, Dr. Sims offers heartfelt advice to fellow superintendents:
- Treat staff like your most precious resource—because they are.
- Foster a culture of joy and collaboration.
- Stay focused on the core mission: doing what’s best for students.
He reminds us that while the challenges are many — burnout, declining family structures, lack of public support — none are insurmountable with the right plan, people, and purpose.
Why This Matters
At Kelly Education, we’re proud to partner with districts like Bibb County that are leading the way with smart, human-centered workforce strategies. This episode of Wake Up and Teach offers more than just insights, it’s a blueprint for how any district can approach workforce planning with clarity, compassion, and impact.
Click here to listen to the entire episode of Wake Up And Teach, presented by Kelly Education.