Building a Culture of Care in Education: The Greatest Differentiator for the Future of Work

I recently had a keynote where I spoke to a few amazing audience members who were in the education space, and it made me recognize how much work there is to be done around helping teachers, administrators, and more understand how to build with care.

The landscape of education is shifting. With mounting burnout, disengagement, and high turnover, especially among teachers and staff, it's clear that traditional approaches to leadership in schools are no longer sustainable. In a sector as vital as education, where the stakes involve not just organizational outcomes but the development of young minds, we must adopt a new philosophy—one centered around care.

For too long, organizations have viewed caring for their people as a 'soft skill' or an added bonus, rather than a core business strategy. But as we step into the future of work, particularly in education, care will not be just a competitive advantage—it will be the greatest differentiator.

At the heart of this transformation are three key pillars that I emphasize in my work with leaders: Safety first, Deep Understanding, and Constant Connection. These are not abstract concepts; they are the foundation upon which we can build thriving educational environments where teachers and staff feel empowered, appreciated, and capable of their best work.

1. Safety First: Psychological Safety is the New Productivity

Psychological safety is a term that has gained traction in the business world, but it is just as critical in education. When teachers and staff feel safe to express themselves, take risks, and share concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation, it transforms the entire ecosystem.

In fact, research shows that teams with high psychological safety are more innovative and effective. In the classroom, this translates to teachers who are not afraid to experiment with new methods, engage deeply with students, and collaborate openly with colleagues. A recent study by Gallup highlights that burnout among teachers has reached an alarming rate, with nearly half considering leaving the profession. Burnout stems not just from overwork, but from environments where people feel isolated or undervalued.

Creating a culture where safety comes first is not about sheltering staff from challenges, but about empowering them to navigate those challenges together, with the understanding that they are supported by leadership and their peers. When teachers feel safe, they thrive—and when they thrive, so do their students.

2. Understanding: Deep, Not Surface-Level

Understanding is often confused with acknowledgment. It's not enough to know someone's name or their role; we need to understand them as whole people. What drives them? What frustrates them? What do they need to succeed?

Too often, we settle for surface-level connections. But in an environment like education, where emotional labor is high and the pressure to perform is constant, we must go deeper. A culture of care demands that we prioritize understanding at all levels. Teachers and staff must feel seen and heard beyond their professional identities.

This deeper understanding fosters engagement and loyalty. Studies show that employees who feel understood and appreciated by their leaders are far more likely to remain committed to their organizations. This is critical in education, where teacher turnover can disrupt not just the institution but also the lives of students who depend on consistent, quality instruction.

When we invest in truly understanding our educators—their unique strengths, struggles, and aspirations—we empower them to bring their best selves to the classroom and beyond.

3. Constant Connection: The Glue of High-Performing Teams

Finally, constant connection is the thread that holds everything together. Connection in education is about more than staff meetings or hallway conversations. It’s about building ongoing, meaningful relationships that fuel collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose.

The role of connection is especially vital in education, where isolation can quickly lead to disengagement. A recent report found that one of the primary reasons for teacher turnover was a lack of support and community. Teachers and staff need to feel connected—not just to their work but to each other and to the larger mission of the institution.

This connection must be cultivated intentionally. It happens when we create spaces for collaboration, when we offer consistent feedback, and when we check in—not just about work, but about life. When we are deeply connected, we are more likely to show up fully and authentically, which leads to better performance in the classroom and a stronger sense of well-being in life.

The Infinite ROI of Care

When we take care of what matters most—our people—they take care of everything else. This is the infinite return on investment that comes with leading with care. When teachers feel cared for, they show up differently. They are more engaged, more resilient, and more capable of delivering their best work—not just in their professional roles but in their personal lives as well.

This is the power of care. It transforms individuals and, in turn, transforms organizations. In the future of education, the schools that lead with care will not only survive—they will thrive. They will attract and retain top talent, foster vibrant communities of learning, and cultivate environments where both educators and students can flourish.

A Call to Action

The time to build a culture of care in education is now. It starts with us—leaders, administrators, and advocates—committing to creating environments where safety, understanding, and connection are the foundation. Only then can we reverse the tide of burnout, disengagement, and turnover and move toward a future where our teachers and staff are empowered to lead, innovate, and inspire the next generation.

Care is not just a strategy—it is the solution. Let’s make it the hallmark of how we lead in education. When we care deeply for our people, the rest will follow.

This shift in focus isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a necessity. Our schools, our teachers, and most importantly, our students deserve nothing less. Let’s build the future of work in education by leading with care today.