Eli Schotland, Staff Writer
February 9, 2024
When passing through the halls, one often hears unfounded rumors that Nobles’ teachers are fleeing in droves, and the cause is often attributed to any number of wild and fantastical tales. But is this really the case? The Nobleman set out to differentiate fact from fiction. Head of School Cathy Hall generously supplied us with her time to answer a few questions and explain the challenges inherent in retaining teachers. Hopefully, this article will clear up uncertainty that may exist and convey the administration’s efforts to support and provide for their faculty.
Firstly, the primary question: is Nobles experiencing unusually high levels of turnover? While some students may see the departure of several teachers in a single year as alarming, it is important to keep the larger picture in mind. Students are only here for four to six years and often do not look at data spanning a longer period of time. One year may stand out as having more retirements than its predecessor, but the next may have fewer. Thus, it stands to reason that the administration, possessing greater longevity than the average student, may have a better understanding of the reality.
Hall said “There’s really a national challenge around retention…There’s been a pretty massive exodus from the profession of teaching. At Nobles, we’re facing significantly less attrition than we’re seeing nationally, but we’re certainly facing some of the same issues that the country is facing.” Nobles, despite its independent school status, still grapples with the same problems affecting public institutions.
Compared to public schools in Massachusetts and across the nation, Nobles teachers are definitely sticking around longer. But Nobles’ numbers don’t just stand out from public schools—the turnover rates are very low when it comes to other ISL schools, as well. Hall shared that she “gets a lot of data from benchmarking groups…When I talk to peer heads of school in the ISL, I am humbled in realizing – even in our biggest turnover years – it [our turnover] tends to be a fraction [of our employed faculty].” However, the administration doesn’t rest on its laurels. Instead, Nobles seeks to find the root cause of every faculty departure. “That doesn’t mean we’re okay having higher turnover years. We’re interrogating that all the time,” Hall said.
Secondly, why are faculty departing? The main issue troubling teachers—especially younger ones, who have not been working long enough to earn the highest salaries—is rising inflation and food prices combined with the deplorably expensive state of the housing market. Teachers, while already underpaid, have been spread thinner and thinner in the current economy. Hall commented on this, saying, “The profession of teaching has never been one that’s been highly lucrative, but I would argue that the market itself is pretty broken.” Add to that childcare costs, which in Norfolk County are the third highest nationwide, and it’s no wonder teachers struggle to make the job work. “Nobles looks to pay top-of-market, but then you look at what top-of-market is, and you realize that, on that salary, there’s no way to afford a dignified quality of life in this area.”
So, what is Nobles doing to improve retention? In addition to the best-in-class financial compensation, Nobles also offers additional benefits to its employees. Many teachers receive tuition remission for their children whether they end up attending Nobles or another independent school. Nobles also offers greatly reduced rates at Nobles Day Camp, Nobles’ premier summer program, to help offset sky-high Norfolk County childcare costs, at least in the summer. Furthermore, the close-knit Nobles community helps to increase faculty retention. When asked what makes some teachers stay around for so long, Hall said, “A huge differentiator is the faculty who see it as a privilege and a joy to be involved across the board at this place. They’ll be showing up tonight at the hockey and basketball games. They’ll be showing up at the art gallery opening. They’ll be there for the instrumental music concert. They’re there not because it’s an obligation, but because it’s part of what fills their well…The faculty who do those things and enjoy it, they’re the ones who want to stay here for longer.”
In conclusion, Nobles faculty are trying their best to make do with what they have in a difficult situation. Even with so many stressors like childcare, housing, and the economy, it is amazing to see how our teachers pour their hearts into teaching, coaching, advising, and more. They stay up as late as their students do, crafting lesson plans, scheduling meetings to help students, and reviewing game film. The Nobles community is extremely grateful to the faculty, as without them, this place would not be as fun or as incredibly educational as it is. The administration is also doing its best despite the deplorable situation to compensate faculty in a manner deserving of their hard work.
(Graphic Credit: Max Daniello)
