Spotlight on Local Business: Cindy Copich and Confidant

When it comes to fostering meaningful change in the workplace, Dr. Cindy Copich is a name that resonates strongly. Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cindy is the founder of Confidant, a consultancy focused on improving workplace culture and, more specifically, tackling the challenge of teacher retention in K-12 education. With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, Cindy has transformed her passion for improving schools into a business that makes a tangible difference for educators and students alike.

 

From Educator to Entrepreneur

Cindy’s journey began in the classroom, where she taught kindergarten through second grade. Her love for education inspired her to further her studies, earning a master’s and doctorate in educational leadership. Over the years, she has worked in various roles, including as a non-profit director and as a part of the HR department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These experiences provided her with a unique perspective on the challenges teachers face and the systemic issues contributing to high turnover rates in schools.

“I’ve always been passionate about education,” Cindy shares. “But what drove me to start Confidant was hearing from teachers who felt unheard and unsupported in their roles. I wanted to change that.”

 

The Mission Behind Confidant

At the heart of Confidant is the mission to create healthier workplace environments for educators. Cindy’s approach involves gathering confidential feedback from school staff, analyzing the data, and working with leadership to implement actionable solutions. This method ensures that voices are heard without fear of reprisal, enabling schools to address real concerns effectively.

“Retention is about more than just keeping people in their jobs,” Cindy explains. “It’s about creating a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay. When schools focus on retention, it naturally enhances recruitment because happy teachers become ambassadors for their workplace.”

 

Addressing the Teacher Retention Crisis

Cindy’s upcoming book, tentatively titled The Myth of the Teacher Shortage: Stories and Solutions, dives deep into the issue of teacher retention. Based on her research, she argues that while there is an immediate shortage of teachers, the larger issue lies in retention. Many qualified teachers leave the profession within their first few years due to challenges such as poor workplace culture and lack of support.

“If we focus solely on recruitment, we’re addressing the symptoms, not the cause,” Cindy emphasizes. “Investing in retention strategies is not only more cost-effective but also ensures a more stable and experienced workforce, which benefits students the most.”

Cindy’s book aims to collect narratives from teachers across all 50 states, shedding light on the real challenges educators face and offering practical solutions to address them. Her work is not just about diagnosing problems but providing a roadmap for improvement.

 

A Community-Focused Vision

Although her business has a national reach, Cindy’s connection to Lincoln, Nebraska, remains strong. She appreciates the college town atmosphere and its vibrant community. When she’s not working, Cindy enjoys reading, attending concerts, and exploring the outdoors—often paddleboarding or walking in local parks.

As she looks to the future, Cindy hopes to continue growing Confidant and expanding her impact. “This work takes time,” she says. “Building relationships and trust is essential, but the results are worth it when you see schools transforming into places where teachers thrive.”

 

Get Involved

Cindy is currently seeking educators from across the U.S. to participate in interviews for her book. If you’re a teacher, administrator, or superintendent interested in sharing your story, you can learn more on her website

Confidant’s work is a testament to the power of addressing workplace culture to drive meaningful change. Cindy Copich’s dedication to improving the educational landscape is inspiring, and her efforts remind us that retention is as much about values as it is about strategies. By focusing on the heart of the issue, Cindy is paving the way for a brighter future in education.

Website: www.coachingconfidante.com