The article addresses teacher retention challenges employers are experiencing in the quest to effectively meet standard human resource management practices. The quality of the employer-employee relationship forms the foundation upon which effective management practices thrive. Teachers who remain in education value students and their personal impact within the learning community. Career educators also appreciate autonomy and collaborative decision making. Effective leaders who create learning environments that embody these characteristics provide optimal work places for teachers. The portrait of an effective leader includes a dynamic persona who may inspire the purposeful work of others through artful performance. He realizes a purpose much higher than himself and commits to the patient, focused pursuit of the ideal learning community. Effective leaders view employees as resources and align them accordingly with objectives to find the best "fit" for success.