Every day when I take attendance I call out each student and ask them how they are doing. If it is Monday I will ask how their weekend went. If I know they one of life's situations ie:car problems, I will ask them if it was resolved, etc. Letting the students know that I know them as individuals gives them a senses of belonging.

I find when I pay attention to each and every student it helps them feel welcome in my classroom. Showing concern when a student seems upset or distant (right away) helps to deter a major event that could lead to the student dropping out

Retention starts at the front desk with the first phone call, it carries thru admissions and into the student meeting the instructor. They need to feel the instructor has a genuine interest in the students goals. I tell my students I have a common goal with them and that is for them to be successfull.

"It takes a village" comes to mind when I think of retention.

Being a teacher requires the ability to react and nurture as a caring individual, while at the same time keeping in mind that school is a business. It is important to approach the students with an educator's stance by being fair, firm, friendly and fun and to complete all administrative requirements within required dealines so the business side of the job is completed efficiently.