How to Handle Personnel Gaps: Jamie Jodrey’s Example

How should a school leader prepare for faculty members missing time? Filling personnel gaps is rarely easy, whether it’s a teacher missing one day or several staff members taking jobs elsewhere.

And what if the staff member that will be missing time is yourself?

Jamie Jodrey has experienced each of these situations. She recently finished her ninth year overall, and second year as the Director, at Crossroads Christian Academy (CCA) in Panama. Her first year as the school’s director came with some unexpected experiences, but she has become stronger because of them.

In February of 2023, Jodrey was figuring out what her staff would look like the next school year when she was expecting her first child, a son.

She knew her three-month maternity leave would start in the fall, but she did not know that some of the staff she expected to help fill in would leave in the meantime. CCA’s Principal left in June, and in total, the school welcomed nine new faculty members in August. Jodrey left for maternity leave on September 1.

“That rocked everything,” Jodrey said of all the unexpected turnover. “I had to think through who God had here, what their gifts were, and how we could use them.”

She had also started ACSI Leadership U in February, the same month she found out she was expecting, which was both an additional commitment to balance but also a resource to help her walk through leadership decisions.

One of the first lessons Jodrey learned was to worry less about who she saw as being qualified to fill various positions.

“Maybe this person wouldn’t be the principal or director normally, but in a time of need, I tried to build a team so that everyone could put their strengths and make those three months bearable and helpful,” she said.

She learned to perceive each of her staff members as God’s image bearers. Seeing the best in her fellow staff members increased confidence that they could step up to the task.

“God gave each one of us specific talents,” Jodrey said. “Give them an opportunity that they normally wouldn’t have gotten and see if they rise to the occasion because they’re doing it for God and not for man.”

When Jodrey asked certain staff members to handle new responsibilities, she received a mix of responses. Some staff members were honored. Others asked if she was sure they were capable. But in the end, everyone pitched in. CCA’s Counselor oversaw the elementary department, and the Dean of Students led the Secondary Department. Jodrey asked five teachers to step up as department coordinators to help mentor the nine new staff members.

When she picked teachers to serve as department coordinators, Jodrey prioritized teachers who had spent the most time at CCA. While they may not have experience in that exact role, at least they would be familiar with the school culture and inner workings of the staff.

“It was about longevity,” she said. “You know how things run, and I need you to mentor the people coming in.”

Jodrey ended up giving birth in October of 2023. Looking back on the summer leading up to the birth and maternity leave, she has plenty of advice for others who may go through something similar.


“Seek counsel. Pray. Wait. Don’t get desperate. Even when I got to July and I still had three teacher spots open, I continually felt the Lord was saying, ‘Wait. Don’t make a decision out of desperation, because it won’t be good for you,’” she said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Lord has put people around you with gifts and abilities to be able to do His work.”

Another option for schools with a teacher shortage is Sevenstar’s online offerings, which schools can use to complement their in-person classes and provide courses they would not otherwise have.