07/21/2026
TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 22! JOIN US!!!!
WEDNESDAY, July 22 @ 2pm!!!
Join us for the Montessori Administrators Community Gathering
📅 Wednesday, July 22
⏲️ 2:00 PM
🖥️ Virtual on Zoom
Beyond Burnout: A Dignity-Centered Approach to Teacher Retention
Teacher retention isn't just a hiring challenge. It's often a culture challenge.
As a new school year approaches, July is the ideal moment for leaders to pause and think intentionally about the culture they want to build before staff return. The way adults support, care for, and work alongside one another establishes the foundation for everything that follows.
In this engaging, hour-long session, Carson Smith introduces The Dignity Way, a practical framework for building an adult culture where people feel safe, valued, recognized, and inspired to stay. Participants will explore the core principles of a dignity-centered culture, examine why respect alone is not enough, and learn how well-intentioned leadership practices can unintentionally contribute to burnout, disengagement, and turnover.
And a school's culture never stops with the adults. The way educators experience one another inevitably shapes the experiences of students. When adults feel seen, supported, and valued, they are better equipped to create classrooms where children experience those same qualities every day.
Participants will leave with practical strategies for strengthening adult culture, improving staff retention, and creating the conditions for both educators and students to thrive. The session includes ample time for discussion, reflection, and Q&A.
This gathering is a benefit for VMA member schools. If your school is not yet a member, we encourage you to sign up for a school membership so you can take advantage of opportunities like this and stay connected with Montessori leaders across Virginia.
Members can register on the VMA website.
https://lnkd.in/esBbThJK
We look forward to gathering with you!