Where Teachers Want to Teach: Labor Market Dynamics in Rural and Nonrural School Districts

• In Event: Teaching With Purpose in Rural Places

Abstract

A considerable body of work has addressed teacher labor markets and the sorting of teachers among school districts. Many studies have focused on urban schools within teacher labor markets, but far less research has examined teacher supply and demand among rural school districts. This paper will examine the pool of applicants for teaching vacancies in Wisconsin school districts to determine how potential applicants differ across geographic categories, particularly with regard to certification, experience, and licensure. This research can document the extent of differences in the quality and quantity of applicants across districts, and thus inform policy decisions related to teacher labor markets.

Authors

• Ellie Bruecker, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Yue Yu, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Peter Trabert Goff, University of Wisconsin - Madison