How Minnesota School Leaders Can Build a Culture of Engaged Teachers

Minnesota’s teachers are the foundation of student success across the state, and when they thrive, entire school communities excel alongside them. But great teaching doesn’t just happen. It requires the right conditions, including support from leadership, opportunities for meaningful growth, and a school culture that values collaboration, autonomy, and professional respect. 

With evolving classroom demands and ongoing staffing challenges, it’s more important than ever for school leaders to create environments where teachers feel equipped, empowered, and energized in their work. When educators are supported, they stay longer, innovate more boldly, and build stronger relationships with their students. 

Here are 3 actionable strategies Minnesota school leaders can use to build supportive cultures for their teachers: 

1. Close Gaps Through Career-Aligned Professional Growth 

To effectively retain educators and respond to shifting classroom needs, Minnesota schools must make professional development (PD) purposeful, accessible, and directly connected to real-world teaching challenges. When PD builds teachers’ expertise — and provides clear pathways for advancement — it strengthens both instructional quality and workforce stability. 

One urgent example is in special education, where 27% of Minnesota teachers serving students with disabilities lack a proper credential. As of the 2023–24 school year, there were nearly 500 open special education positions, accounting for half of all unfilled teaching jobs statewide. 

Supporting teachers in earning advanced degrees is a powerful way to address this shortage. Flexible programs like Moreland University’s online M.Ed. allow educators to specialize in Special Education and complete their degree in as little as 12 months. This kind of targeted PD helps schools fill high-need roles while empowering educators to deepen their skills, grow their careers, and better serve their students and communities at large. 

2. Support the Path to Full Licensure 

Ensuring teachers are fully prepared for the classroom is foundational to student success. Yet in Minnesota, more than 6% of teachers were working with temporary licenses, and nearly 4% were teaching outside of their qualified field during the 2022–23 school year. These educators often face added pressure — and without structured support, they’re more likely to feel overwhelmed or exit the profession early. 

School leaders play a vital role in helping these teachers progress toward full certification. In larger districts, dedicated credentialing teams can offer personalized support throughout the process. In smaller districts, a single leader or mentor can provide clarity, encouragement, and guidance to ensure teachers stay on track. 

Affordability is another significant challenge. Providing tuition reimbursement or financial incentives for educator preparation programs can turn a financial hurdle into a meaningful career opportunity. By partnering with institutions like Moreland, districts can offer access to flexible, fast-tracked certification pathways like the TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, which enables teachers to become certified in as little as 9 months. For schools enrolling 30 or more educators, discounted tuition rates make this a scalable and cost-effective investment in Minnesota’s educator workforce. 

3. Prioritize Well-Being to Retain Minnesota Educators 

Teaching is a deeply rewarding profession, but also one of the most emotionally and mentally demanding careers. As burnout continues to impact educators, school leaders must take intentional steps to ensure that teachers feel supported, valued, and motivated to stay in the field. 

One of the most impactful ways to address burnout is by expanding access to mental health and wellness programs. This includes offering school-based counseling services and peer support networks that create space for educators to process and manage the challenges of their work. At the same time, increasing autonomy — particularly in lesson planning and instructional decisions — gives teachers the flexibility they need to stay engaged and creative in the classroom. 

Recognition also plays a key role. Whether through teacher appreciation events, awards, or performance-based incentives, celebrating educator contributions reinforces their value and strengthens morale. When schools prioritize well-being as a core part of their culture, they create more resilient teams, improve retention rates, and encourage more positive outcomes for both teachers and students. 

Moreland University Supports Teachers and Schools in Minnesota 

Minnesota’s education system depends on well-prepared and well-supported teachers who are always learning and growing professionally. Investing in teacher success today will lead to higher retention, better student outcomes, and a stronger future for Minnesota’s education system. 

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