Summary: In this episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CheeTung (CT), co-founder of EngageRocket, interviews John Wright, Senior Director for Strategy at the National Education Association (NEA). They dive into the current state of education, focusing on the pressing issues of teacher attrition and recruitment, the impact of the political climate on the teaching profession, and strategies to build strong educational communities. Wright shares insights on the changing landscape brought about by the pandemic and discusses innovative roles like instructional coaches that could help retain educators by offering career growth within the instructional realm. The episode offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within education leadership today. Key Takeaways: The current teacher shortage is a significant problem, exacerbated by political pressures, inadequate compensation, and limited career opportunities.Recruitment is challenging due to societal perceptions and the political environment, while retention is affected by similar issues, along with career growth limitations without shifting roles.The pandemic has intensified existing challenges but also offers opportunities for rethinking education and leadership.Building a sense of community, both laterally (among peers) and vertically (with the school and community), is essential for teacher retention and job satisfaction.There is a push for more flexible and varied career paths within education, such as instructional coaching.Technological and social changes are broadening the role of educators, pushing towards more learner-centered approaches and diverse credentialing. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Engaging Leadership Show 00:26 Introducing John Wright from NEA 02:27 Understanding the Teacher Shortage Crisis 03:31 Challenges in Teacher Recruitment and Retention 07:43 Impact of Political and Social Pressures 12:06 Building Community and Belonging in Schools 21:00 Exploring the Personal Narrative Project 38:49 Future of Leadership in Education 41:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with John Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wright-aa787412/ Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: k12.engagerocket.net Mentioned in this episode: Engaging Leadership Outro Engaging Leadership Intro