Our people, our legacy: Growing educators, strengthening schools

At our most recent Community Cabinet, a member shared a story from a teacher who was deeply grateful for additional help managing student behavior this year. She said she felt heard and able to focus again on what matters most: teaching students. Staffing decisions are never abstract; they touch the daily lives of our educators and children.

Across the nation, school districts are wrestling with staffing shortages and turnover. A recent RAND survey shows the share of teachers intending to leave dropped from 22% in 2024 to 16% in 2025. In Iowa, more than 98% of teaching vacancies were filled last year, a sign that stability is possible when we keep people at the center.

That is why Cedar Rapids Community School District is deeply committed to people-first practices: investing in our educators, listening actively, and working together.

Turning challenge Into progress

Like districts nationwide, we faced the expiration of ESSER funding and budget pressures. We adjusted staffing by 200 positions, restored 99, and invested $2 million for 59 new behavior-support roles. The message was clear: we see you, we hear you.

These efforts are making a difference. Physical aggression is down 23% compared to last year, creating calmer classrooms. Teacher turnover has dropped from nearly 20% to 12.5%, giving students more stability. And every CRCSD classroom opened this year with a core teacher in place on day one, a consistency that matters for students and families alike.

Supporting people, one at a time

Sometimes what keeps a teacher here is a conversation. Last year, our “Just-In-Time” interventions—30 personalized check-ins—helped staff feel supported. Twenty-eight of those thirty chose to continue with us. We also know turnover is a reality, and many who leave cite personal reasons. That reminds us stability creates a culture where people want to stay.

Growing our own: From students to principals

Our growth story is inspiring, and it gives us reason to believe.

We welcomed 100 new teachers this year, including 25 student teachers, with many choosing to stay because they felt at home here.

Educators Rising is expanding. Forty-five Kennedy High students are already preparing for careers in education, and Jefferson High is now joining.

Paraeducators are also making strides. Susan Hester, once a para at Maple Grove, is now teaching second grade, proof that those who already love our children can guide them.

And leaders are rising too. After 24 years of teaching, Sean Neilly was inspired through our Principal Pathway and now serves as Associate Principal at Taft.

These stories show that while numbers matter, what matters most are the daily experiences of our people. That is what we will continue to work toward: creating spaces where educators are valued.

Honoring our people

People like Barry Wilson, whose 53 years in the classroom speak volumes, and the 35% of teachers with 12+ years of experience. I often meet retired teachers, principals, and board members still tied to our schools. Their commitment reminds us that education is our heartbeat and will carry our legacy forward.

Looking ahead

Recruitment– through student-teacher placements and higher education partnerships, while also working to fill specialty positions such as music and paraeducator roles.

Retention– through our STARS program, mentoring, and pathways, we are helping today’s and future educators grow with us in confidence.

Relationships– by fostering a culture of care, clarity, and communication with staff and families, we are building the trust that sustains long-term progress.

While CRCSD is a work in progress, our people are the lasting legacy that shapes our present, anchors our future, and renews the vitality of education across Iowa and the nation.

Dr. Tawana Grover is superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District.