A pay raise can catch attention—but it takes more than a bigger paycheck to keep teachers in the classroom. As Arkansas wrestles with teacher retention, the latest report from the University of Arkansas’s Office for Education Policy reveals both encouraging gains and stubborn challenges that local leaders can’t afford to ignore. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the findings of this new statewide study, breaks down why compensation alone isn’t the silver bullet, and highlights how mentorship, workload balance, and thoughtful leadership can make the difference between a teacher staying or walking away. It’s an essential conversation for anyone preparing to guide schools into the new year.

For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

Learn more about ASMSA at asmsa.org/thrive.

Just when you thought it was safe to hit “submit” and move on… the merit aid emails came back. ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the surprising late-spring scholarship surge from Syracuse University and what it signals about a shifting admissions landscape. In this episode, he breaks down how yield management, dynamic pricing, and delayed decision-making are reshaping the college search—and what rising seniors in the Class of 2026 need to know as they prepare to navigate their own admissions journey.

For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.

You can also follow Alderdice on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.

Learn more about ASMSA at asmsa.org/thrive.