Rural K–12 Teacher Retention: Lessons From a Colorado University Center

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Ten
  In Roundtable Session: Rural Teacher Retention and Recruitment Strategies (Table 4)

Abstract

Teacher shortages have plagued rural areas. The Colorado Center for Rural Education (CCRE) administers teacher stipends and university/district mini-grants aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention of teachers in rural Colorado. This mixed methods study compared the retention of teachers receiving stipends with those not receiving stipends and found promising results. A survey of 583 stipend recipients (40% responded) and interviews with 5 selected recipients and 6 university/district partners helped explain these results. Stipend recipients reported that stipends reduced teacher stress, increased opportunities, improved instruction, and improved resources. Interviews showed that mini-grant activities increased understanding among university and district leaders.

Authors

• Caitlin Scott, Marzano Research
  Presenting Author

• Steven Tedeschi, REL Central at Marzano Research
  Non-Presenting Author

• David Yanoski, Marzano Research
  Non-Presenting Author

• Sweta Srivastava, Marzano Research Laboratory
  Non-Presenting Author