Retaining Teachers of Color: Exploring Factors Influencing Teachers’ Retention in California K–12 Public Schools

• In Event: Humanizing the Teaching Profession: Implications for Recruiting and Retaining Teachers of Color

Abstract

The growing teacher shortages in California are exacerbated by high turnover and attrition rates. This study aims to investigate the relationship between four factors and the retention of teachers of Color (TOCs) within California. Results show that TOCs' perceptions of leadership and professional growth was the most influential predictor of their retention at the same school. Moreover, TOCs' perceptions of inclusion and belonging within schools was the primary predictor of teacher’s intentions to stay in the teaching profession. Lastly, TOCs' perceptions of workload and financial burden were the most significant predictors of retention in the education field. These findings hold important implications for formulating effective policies and practices aimed at retaining teachers of Color and fostering empathetic school systems.

Authors

• Hui Huang, University of California - Los Angeles

• Kai Monet Mathews, University of California - Los Angeles

• Cathy Balfe, University of California - Los Angeles

• Erika Yagi, University of California - Los Angeles