On the Circuit: Educators' Cooperative

The United States is experiencing a teaching crisis. With a national attrition rate for teachers of 18%, HR costs in school systems are soaring. This was one of the key discussion topics at the Get to Know Us reception at the 505 building for Educators’ Cooperative. The event — a collection of teachers, political leaders and educator supporters — was an opportunity for the non-profit to share their mission and goals.

Educators’ Cooperative mission is to grow a professional collaboration network for educators to collaborate between public, private and charter sectors. The organization’s executive director Amy Nystrand spoke to the room about the need teachers have for autonomy in the classroom and timely access to information. Amy, an educator herself, has seen the transformative power of the organization — particularly when teachers attend the EdCo Summer Workshops. This summer, the organization will host their 10th summer workshop for educators looking for connection with other teachers outside of their school system or network. Once educators have completed a Summer Workshop, members gain access to all EdCo programming and resources.

The organization is not school board or city funded but relies on donor funding and grants to execute the programs they offer. On average the cost is $2,200 for a teacher to complete the workshop and the organization takes 32 members per summer. The most inspiring note of the evening is that through the important work of the program, the EdCo attrition rate for teacher members is currently six percent.