Retaining and Motivating Instructors through Community and Support
Across the country, after-school and enrichment providers are facing persistent challenges in keeping instructors engaged and committed, key players in delivering quality learning experiences. From emotional burnout and lack of recognition to administrative overload and professional isolation, these issues directly affect program consistency, student participation, and long-term outcomes.
The insights presented in this article were gathered during the 2025 RTM – April National Superintendent Forum, an event that brings together K-12 education leaders to explore innovative strategies and tackle system-wide challenges. A dedicated session surfaced key challenges shared by program leaders, instructors, and education advocates, including low instructor engagement, high turnover, and the need for stronger communities of practice.
HOKALI offers an opportunity to address these challenges through a model that supports instructors at every step of their journey. Through our HOKALI Community, we provide ongoing training, personalized follow-up, and day-to-day support, creating an environment where instructors feel connected, empowered, and part of something bigger. This approach helps strengthen after-school programs from the inside out by caring for the people who bring them to life.
Key Challenges in Instructor Retention
- Lack of Community and Connection: Instructors often feel isolated, especially in part-time or freelance roles, with little opportunity for collaboration or mentorship.
- Limited Recognition and Growth Opportunities: Many programs do not offer professional development, feedback, or pathways for advancement.
- Administrative Overload: Instructors frequently shoulder scheduling, communication, and reporting tasks, leaving less time and energy for teaching.
- Emotional Burnout: Without adequate support systems, instructors face fatigue and disconnection, leading to high turnover.
Exploring the causes and consequences
Causes
- Lack of community and team structures
- Minimal professional development
- Administrative burden
- Emotional fatigue and low recognition
Consequences
- Instructors feel isolated and disengaged
- Limited growth and low retention
- Reduced time for teaching and connection
- Burnout and inconsistent program quality
As programs grow and expectations increase, addressing these instructor-facing issues becomes critical, not only for organizational stability but for student success.
HOKALI as Part of the Solution
At HOKALI, we believe that empowering instructors is fundamental to delivering exceptional enrichment programs. That’s why we created the HOKALI Academy, a dedicated initiative designed to foster a culture of recognition, connection, and ongoing support. Through targeted training, continuous guidance, and meaningful engagement, the Academy ensures that instructors feel valued, motivated, and fully equipped to thrive, both in and beyond the classroom.
How HOKALI Supports Instructors:
- Sense of Belonging: By connecting with peers and participating in community events, instructors experience a strong feeling of connection and shared purpose. We highlight instructor stories, celebrate achievements, and ensure instructors know they’re valued contributors to student development.
- Bilateral Communication: We maintain open lines of communication, encouraging feedback and dialogue to continually improve our programs and support systems. We regularly conduct satisfaction surveys to gather instructors’ insights, and we carefully analyze the results to identify opportunities for growth and enhance their experience.
- Building a Collaborative Ecosystem: Through our HOKALI Community, instructors are integrated into a dynamic ecosystem that fosters collaboration, shared learning, and collective growth. By connecting with fellow educators, participating in workshops, and exchanging best practices, they gain access to a supportive network that strengthens their skills and reinforces their sense of purpose.
- Professional Development: Instructors have access to ongoing training and resources that enhance their teaching skills and professional growth.
- Streamlining Operations for Instructors: Our platform simplifies administrative tasks, allowing instructors to focus on what they do best, teaching and inspiring students.
- Recognition & Impact: We foster a culture where instructors feel genuinely appreciated for the work they do. By offering competitive compensation and meaningful opportunities to impact students’ lives, we ensure that instructors not only feel fairly rewarded but also deeply connected to the purpose of their role within the educational journey.
The Result: Long-Term Impact
When instructors are empowered, their students benefit through consistency, energy, and meaningful relationships. Programs see:
- Increased instructor retention and satisfaction
- Higher student engagement
- More reliable program delivery
- A stronger culture of community and collaboration
By recognizing the essential role instructors play and investing in their growth, well-being, and sense of community, we can create a more sustainable and impactful educational ecosystem. When instructors feel supported and inspired, they build long-term relationships with their schools, and students thrive.
Discover how HOKALI is creating a stronger foundation for enrichment education by supporting the people who make it possible.
