Factors that Impact Teacher Retention

William Allan Kritsonis, PhD

Old Techniques in an “Information Age” Lack of Vision in Reframing Retention Failure to Gather information from

Teachers concerning Retention.

62% of Students minorities vs. 39% in other schools.

47% of Students are eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch vs. 35% at other schools.

42% of hard to staff schools were middle schools vs. 18% of other schools were middle schools.

Less Teacher Satisfaction than their peers in other schools.

#1. Inadequate financial compensation.

#2. Under-representation of minority teachers.

#3. Desirability to teach may be outweighed by more attractive alternatives.

#4. Student discipline.

Women are more likely to enter the profession than men.

Only 39% of nation’s public elementary & secondary schools were minority vs. 61% being majority.

Higher test scores and better school selections deter some students from entering the teaching profession.

90% of Teachers agreed that one should enjoy the profession.

81% of Teachers felt that flexibility and spending time with family was a key factor.

Safety Issues Under Compensation Accountability Lack of Opportunity for Advancement

Mentoring to At-Risk Students Alternative Certification Conducive learning environment More Competitive Salary

Attrition increased for: Schools with higher numbers of

minority, low-income, and low-performing students.

Urban Schools vs. Suburban and rural districts.

Public vs. Private Schools, and Schools with poor working conditions

and low financial compensation.

#1. Flexibility in career options for experienced teachers.

#2. Effective mentoring programs. #3. Professional Development. #4. A Comprehensive Induction

Process.

Teacher retention and attrition has become extremely costly for the nation, therefore, new recruitment and retention strategies must be implemented.