Who Gets to Grow? Rethinking Fairness in Team Development

Nicole Pratt | November 2025 As the year wraps up—or reaches its midpoint for those in schools—it’s a natural time to reflect on how we support and grow our teams. At EdFuel, we believe strong organizations grow from within. When we invest in developing our people for future opportunities, both within and beyond our walls, we strengthen our capacity to … Read More

What Gets Valued, Gets Paid: Six Questions for Fair Compensation Design

Rachel Nozari | September 2025 In almost every organization I’ve worked with, I’ve sat with staff who discovered they were being paid less than colleagues doing comparable work — sometimes thousands of dollars less. The frustration in those moments isn’t just about the money; it’s about fairness, trust, and dignity. Those conversations stay with me, and they’re why I believe … Read More

The Next Generation of Teachers Starts Here: Onboarding Gen Z Teachers

Ashleigh Phillis | August 2025 In a recent group chat, one of my friends shared that millennials were being “erased for the next generation.” This slightly dramatic declaration stemmed from her discovery of a work resource where the descriptor was crossed out, and underneath, a new one had appeared for Generation Z.  Gone are the days of trying to learn … Read More

Mid-Summer Check-In: EdFuel’s Tips for Staying on Track and Recharged

EdFuel | July 2025 You know that feeling, coming back from vacation and immediately thinking, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” We’ve all been there. This year, I was determined to break that cycle. A few weeks ago, we had our summer quiet week at EdFuel, and my family hit the road for our annual trip to Disney World … Read More

The Most Overlooked Talent Strategy? A Year-End Stepback

EdFuel | June 2025 The end of the school year brings a natural pause— one that offers the perfect opportunity to zoom out and reflect on your talent strategy. Before the whirlwind of recruitment, onboarding, and summer planning kicks into high gear, take time to ask: What worked? What didn’t? What patterns are emerging, and what do they tell us … Read More

Leading Intentionally: Navigating DEI in an Evolving Political Climate

Nicole Pratt | May 2025 In recent months, new executive orders and political pressure have brought fresh scrutiny to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Some organizations have taken this moment to roll back DEI initiatives, while others have stood firm. For organizations deeply committed to equity, especially those receiving public funding, this moment may feel uncertain, even risky. We … Read More

Leading Through the Hardest Moments

Kerri-Ann Nesbeth | April 2025 Dear EdFuel Community, You may have noticed in our last newsletter that our team has gotten smaller. Like many nonprofit and educational organizations recently, we have had to navigate reduced funding, which ultimately led us to implement a reduction in force last year. While this is something no organization ever wants to face, it has … Read More

When Intent to Return and Stay Conversations Don’t Match: What Now?

Marguerite Thibodeaux | March 2025   “In the intent to return survey, 100% of staff said they plan to return, but we know that at least a handful are really on the fence. How do we recruit just in case they leave without scaring off faculty that see their job posted?” Each spring, schools across the country recruit and hire … Read More

Retention Isn’t Just About Perks—It’s About Culture

Saima Zaman | November 2024 As the holidays approach, this is the time when staff start to think about whether they are leaving or staying at their current organization.  Time with family, away from work, gives staff time to step back and assess their role and organization.  We also know that from August through December is where things feel particularly … Read More