Race to the Top Teacher Preparation Program and School- and Classroom-Level Effects on Mathematics and Science Teacher Turnover

• In Event: 41.040 - Addressing the Need for STEM Teachers From and for Diverse Communities

Abstract

The present study examined how teacher preparation programs and class- and school-level factors impact teacher employment. Using a sample of 121 early-career teachers from four school districts, we examined the effect of a job-embedded master’s level teacher-preparation program, in combination with several other factors, on whether or not they continued to teach the same subjects at the same school after two years. Although the program had only a small, non-significant effect, the district in which teachers were employed was related to retention. Given that only 42% of our cohort returned to teach for a third year, it is evident that we must continue to find ways to reduce teacher turnover.

Authors

• Bonnie Swan, University of Central Florida

• M. H. Clark, University of Central Florida

• Rosemarye Taylor, University of Central Florida

• Christine Destefano, University of Central Florida