A Strategic Plan for Building Sustainable Teacher Support Systems through Mentorship and Professional Learning

Executive Summary A Strategic Plan for Building Sustainable Teacher Support Systems through Mentorship and Professional Learning. Kasha L. Giddins, 2025: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: staff retention, mentorship, leadership development, professional learning, teacher attrition, sustainable workforce. This strategic research project was designed to address the critical challenge of teacher retention within Union County Public Schools (UCPS). The district has experienced rapid growth and increased diversity, while also navigating leadership turnover and the absence of clear mission, vision, and value statements to guide systemwide alignment. These foundational gaps, combined with low salaries, inconsistent policies, and limited retention strategies, have contributed to persistent staff attrition and declining morale. This project employed a mixed methods approach. Quantitative tools, including the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE), External Factor Evaluation (EFE), and the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM), were used to assess the relative impact of organizational challenges and evaluate the attractiveness of possible solutions. The qualitative component of the study was grounded in a comprehensive literature review that synthesized recent research to guide the selection of evidence-based strategies. Among four options, structured peer mentorship emerged as the most feasible and sustainable approach. This strategy was chosen for its ability to be scaled with existing resources, support new and struggling teachers, and promote a culture of internal leadership and collaboration. The final recommendations include a year-long rollout of the mentorship initiative, inclusive of mentor training, stakeholder engagement, and continuous evaluation. By aligning leadership development with culturally responsive support systems, UCPS can reduce attrition, strengthen instructional quality, and build a more stable workforce. This SRP affirms the need for district-wide, data-informed strategies that are grounded in both research and local realities to advance meaningful change.