Teacher Retention Key Issue For Masey

Katie Masey has called Lexington home for 14 years. With a career dedicated to providing mental health counseling to children, teens and families, her journey has naturally led her to advocate for students and schools. As a candidate for the Lexington School Board, she offers her professional experience and a passion for positive change.

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from James Madison University and a master’s in education and human development from George Washington University, Masey has often been involved in child development and attachment research, bilingual education, and multicultural counseling support. Since 2003, she has worked in various roles, including outreach counselor, substitute teacher, school counseling liaison, and currently as a licensed professional counselor in private practice.

Her extensive work with the Virginia Department of Education on 504 Accommodations and Individualized Education Plans has given her a thorough understanding of the laws and protocols needed to support a diverse range of student needs. “[Working closely with schools has] equipped me with the knowledge and skills to serve on the School Board effectively,” she said.

Masey’s involvement with Lexington City Schools goes beyond her professional life. For six years, she has volunteered regularly in classrooms and as a tutor. “My hope is to serve the city and school system in a capacity where positive change can be implemented,” she explained.

Masey was an advocate for making School Board positions elected rather than appointed. When the change was made, she decided she would run. Her involvement in School Board meetings as an attendee, parent, and child advocate since 2020 has only strengthened her resolve. The recent wave of teacher resignations, particularly at the elementary and middle school levels, highlighted to her the urgent need for action.

“These were cream of the crop teachers who left for reasons beyond pay. We need to work to determine how to retain our best teachers,” she emphasized.

For Masey, teacher retention starts with preventing burnout. “If a healthier environment can be created, teachers’ needs can be seen, heard, and addressed, and all students will benefit,” she said. She advocates for more meaningful parental involvement in schools, noting that systems which engage parents beyond fundraising see the best outcomes for student well-being and learning.

The unexpected resignation of her child’s teacher last year had a profound impact on her family and reinforced her commitment to this cause. “There needs to be a better protocol in place for if a teacher has to go out on unexpected leave,” she insisted.

Mental health is clearly a critical issue for Masey. With her background as a trained child, adolescent and family counselor, she aims to implement positive changes to improve students’ emotional and psychological well-being.

“I have already worked closely with the guidance department over the past several years, but would like to do so at a broader level and with measurable goals in mind,” she said.

If elected, Masey aims to address gaps in mental health support. “Research and data have proven that students improve their mental health and social well-being when given more time outside and more interactive physical play,” she said. She envisions more outdoor, physical play-based learning, leveraging the rich outdoor grounds and surrounding areas of the school campus to enhance students’ daily health and learning experiences.

To tackle teacher retention, she proposes standard surveys of teachers and staff to identify needs, open and transparent dialogue, and advocacy for better pay and support. Learning from longserving teachers about what has kept them in the system could also provide valuable insights.

She also sees a need for a smoother transition from middle school to high school, advocating for better integration and proactive communication between school systems. “Taking inventory of the current high school students who made the transition the past couple of years could help pinpoint where energy and efforts would be most effective and meaningful,” she suggested.