This conceptual synthesis, published in May 2025, and co-authored by HYA Associate Shawn Joseph, investigates how superintendent leadership grounded in social justice can help reduce burnout and retain teachers. It highlights the importance of elevating teacher voices, providing adequate support and resources, and engaging families and communities as partners in education.
Title:
Superintendent leadership for teacher retention: Combating burnout in teachers of color and fostering well-being through a social justice lens
Abstract
This conceptual synthesis paper examines the essential role of educational leaders in reducing teacher burnout and promoting well-being through a social justice framework. By exploring systemic challenges, culturally responsive practices, and the unique experiences of African American teachers, the paper highlights strategies for creating supportive and inclusive educational settings. Using Raffo and colleagues conceptual framework. or adopt the following without any names: The study employs a conceptual synthesis approach to identify and integrate existing research, resulting in a comprehensive framework. Findings indicate that superintendents can improve recruitment and retention of Black teachers by fostering culturally responsive environments, elevating teacher voices through adequate support and resources, and engaging families and communities as essential partners. This work addresses a gap in literature by proposing that teacher well-being and resilience should be integral professional responsibilities, emphasizing a humanizingand holistic view of educator sustainability. The article aims to reconceptualize teacher support, focusing on teachers as empowered agents rather than passive recipients of external conditions.
Authors
- Shawn Joseph
- Eman Abo-Zaed Arar
- Lori Schunka
- Hasan Karaburk
- Khalid Arar
About HYA
HYA is a leading executive search and educational consulting firm specializing in leadership recruitment, development, and support for school districts across the nation. With decades of expertise, HYA is dedicated to building exceptional educational leadership teams that drive success for students and communities.
For more information about HYA and our leadership solutions, please visit hyasearch.com.
