An Analysis of Teachers' Career Paths in Arizona: Retention, Mobility, and Attrition

• In Event: 29.015 - Pro Bono Education Research Service Projects (ERSPs): AERA's ERSP Initiative

Abstract

In Arizona, there has been increasing public concern about the high turnover rate of teachers and the challenges this creates for schools. The goal of this research project is to document and analyze teachers’ career paths and the factors affecting teachers’ decisions to continue teaching or leave the profession. We are conducting a systematic analysis of teacher retention and attrition patterns using longitudinal data. Our initial findings from descriptive analyses compare the destination of teachers employed in 2009-10 with teachers employed in 2012-13. While the overall rate of attrition was relatively stable at 13%, exiting was concentrated among teachers with nine or fewer years of experience. Exiting was also concentrated among teachers working in high minority and high poverty schools. This project is intended to help monitor changes in the teacher labor force, and identify strategies aimed at reducing the low teacher retention rates in Arizona’s public schools.

Authors

• Jeanne M. Powers, Arizona State University

• Margarita Pivovarova, Arizona State University - Tempe