DC has the highest rate of teacher turnover in the country, with 25% of educators leaving schools each year. EmpowerEd was founded to address this alarming loss, including the loss of experienced teachers of color, whose relationships with students often define the school environment. Led by educators, it works directly with 15+ schools and supports dozens more to improve teacher retention by strengthening each school's culture and policies to support wellness, professional development, shared leadership, and healthier working conditions. EmpowerEd collects data in city-wide surveys of DC educators, using it to advance teacher-driven solutions. Alongside councilmembers and agency officials, it has led successful campaigns like funding DC's first educator pathway, which provides high school students with a free route to becoming licensed local teachers. An investment in our teachers is an investment in the success of our students.
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