What if the key to a stronger early childhood workforce isn’t just better hiring — it’s better beginnings?
New research from LENA, in partnership with Porter-Leath in Tennessee, reveals a critical insight: the first months of a teacher’s career are a pivotal window — not just for retention, but for informing quality, confidence, and long-term growth.
This session explores how early supports — like structured apprenticeship models, real-time coaching tools and timely feedback — can transform a new teacher’s experience and long-term outlook. We’ll touch on the unique challenges new educators face, and the true cost of turnover — both financial and social — so leaders can see the value of investing in early support. Because when educators feel seen, supported, and equipped from day one, they don’t just stay — they thrive.
Join state leaders, program directors, and workforce experts as we dig into:
- What new teachers actually need in their first months on the job
- How apprenticeship frameworks may create pathways to support and retain early educators
- What LENA Grow data reveals about retaining new teachers
- What it will take to redesign onboarding and early support at the program and systems level
Interested in learning more about the Classroom Ready program? Visit the Early Learning Indiana website for more info!