On April 16, we hosted a conversation about one of the most pressing challenges in education today: building a stronger, more sustainable educator workforce. Moderated by Angie Wedlick, our Chief Program Officer, the conversation brought together four voices from across the education ecosystem: Nithin Iyengar of Give Forward Foundation, Zaniya Harrison of Philip’s Academy Newark, Lindsey Morgan of Transcend Education, and Sue-Lin Toussaint of Aurora Public Schools. Together, they explored what’s making teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention challenging at this moment, and more importantly, what’s working well.
Our panel surfaced some honest and hard truths. From housing costs pricing out new hires to the steep learning curve facing teachers entering through non-traditional pathways, today’s challenges are real and complex. But what emerged most powerfully was the consistent role of relationships in keeping teachers in the profession. Zaniya shared how the support of her mentor and the sense of community at her school made the difference between staying and leaving, a sentiment that resonated deeply with every panelist. As Sue-Lin put it, “What keeps people in teaching, as in any profession, is belonging: feeling connected, valued, and like the work you’re doing matters.”
Panelists also explored what systems can do differently. Lindsey emphasized designing adult experiences with the same intentionality we bring to student experiences: creating space for teacher voice, collaboration, and well-being. Nithin made a clear case for funding the parts of the pipeline that keep teachers in the classroom once they arrive. And Sue-Lin highlighted the importance of preparation that meets teachers where they are, especially those coming from outside of traditional pathways.
At Breakthrough, this conversation affirmed what we’ve believed for nearly 50 years: investing in people and relationships is the foundation of a stronger future for education. This was a conversation that reminds us why this work matters. When teachers thrive, students thrive. And when we collaborate across sectors with intention and humility, we move closer to an education system where every young person can succeed.
You can visit our YouTube to watch the full panel conversation.