NEA, Cable in the Classroom (CIC) Look at Teacher Retention

Promising young educators and their seasoned colleagues are leaving our nation's schools at alarming rates. Almost a third leave the profession after only three years, and half exit after five. That's why NEA teamed up with Cable in the Classroom to produce the Spring 2004 issue of their publication, Threshold, which focused on the critical issue of teacher retention. The issue is entitled, "Staying Power: What We Must Do To End the Teacher Retention Shortage." 

NEA President Reg Weaver and CIC's Peggy O'Brien agree we must stop the "revolving door." They discuss the bold truths about the economic perils of teacher turnover in Threshold's introduction (  PDF, 155KB, 1 page) and stress that communities benefit from stable educational opportunities.

Articles in this issue of Threshold include:

Filling in the Gaps ( PDF, 267KB, 5 pgs)
Understanding the root causes of the "teacher shortage" can lead to solutions that work.

Support Systems ( PDF, 267KB, 4pgs)
How induction and mentoring programs help recruit and retain quality teachers -- and save money.

The True Cost of Teacher Turnover ( PDF, 1.5MB, 2pgs)
A research-based graphic illustration of the scope and cost of the problem that offers these facts and figures:

• Annual turnover rate: 15.7% for teachers; 11.9% for other fields.
• Average cost to recruit, hire, prepare, and lose a teacher: $50,000.
• Number of teachers moving to other schools or leaving the profession (2002): 539,778.
• Top reasons for leaving: lack of professional support, poor school leadership, low pay, personal reasons.

Creating a Culture of Excellence ( PDF, 227KB, 4pgs)
Experienced teachers describe the school working conditions that cause them to stay or leave.

The Urban/Rural Challenge ( PDF, 250KB, 4pgs)
Overcoming the unique obstacles faced by urban and rural school districts.

Technology and Teacher Retention ( PDF, 254KB, 4pgs)
Using technology to improve teacher recruitment and retention, and to shift the school culture.

Educated Opinions ( PDF, 221KB, 2pgs)
"Black and White Teachers: Closing the Gap" by Marc H. Morial and "Why I Choose to Stay" by Salome Thomas-EL.