Educator/Provider
Supports
IDEA Leadership Essential
Build and sustain a committed, collaborative, and capable workforce dedicated to fostering the success of children with disabilities.
IDEA Leader Mindset
Leaders must believe in the power of a dedicated and skilled workforce, commit to rigorous hiring, embrace continuous professional development, value mentorship as a cornerstone of growth, and foster a positive environment that celebrates and retains talented staff.
Indicators of Success
- Develop a committed workforce. Actively recruit, hire, and retain qualified candidates committed to supporting the educational and developmental needs of children with disabilities.
- Use rigorous hiring. Implement a rigorous hiring process that ensures the selection of skilled and competent staff aligned with the aims of IDEA.
- Create learning opportunities. Facilitate and maintain a comprehensive professional development program that addresses high leverage practices and evidence-based practices, and provide ongoing job-embedded learning opportunities to ensure staff are equipped to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities.
- Prioritize mentorship. Design and implement support systems (e.g., mentoring and induction, coaching) to further develop general & special educators’ capacity to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Promote staff retention. Create and sustain an environment that promotes staff retention by recognizing achievements, providing feedback and growth opportunities, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
