Special Districts Partner Christine Wood Quoted in ESEA News Industry Newsletter
Article Addresses Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Educators in High-Need Poverty Schools
In an ESEA Now industry newsletter published September 22, 2025, Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) Special Districts Partner, Christine Wood, has been quoted emphasizing the importance of attracting and retaining strong teachers in high-need schools. This effort requires a mix of targeted incentives and meaningful support to ensure success.
Wood, former counsel for the Los Angeles Unified School District, noted that schools struggling academically should focus on hiring seasoned educators who are not only skilled in driving student progress but also eager to mentor newer teachers. Wood suggested implementing tiered pay incentives, potentially funded through Title II grants, that reward teachers for staying at a school for at least two years, prioritizing those with specialized expertise or high-need certifications. She also highlighted long-term challenges like affordable housing and the need for sustainable teacher pipelines as key factors in workforce stability.
In addition to financial incentives, Wood stressed the importance of emotional and instructional support to help teachers thrive in challenging environments. She encouraged districts to combine mental health programs with professional learning communities and cohort models that promote collaboration and well-being among staff. According to Wood, fostering a culture of compassion, mentorship and commitment can help schools retain experienced educators and new teachers who are motivated to make a difference.
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