Investing in Stability: Enhancing Equity Through Teacher Retention in High-Need Districts

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 9:00 am
  In Roundtable Session: About Teachers: Incentive, Measuring Professional Development Effectiveness, and Teachers’ Buy-In for Interventions (Table 27)

Abstract

Improving teacher retention in high-need districts is crucial for achieving educational equity as it helps ensure all students have access to effective educators. This study examined teacher retention in six high-need districts across two southern states that implemented interconnected strategies designed to develop and retain effective teachers. These strategies included offering opportunities to serve in formal teacher leader roles; supporting teachers to improve instructional skills through observations, feedback, and collaborative professional learning; and aligning compensation with teachers’ roles, responsibilities, and performance. The results suggest that more effective teachers are more likely to stay in these districts. The study contributes to the growing evidence highlighting the importance of supportive working environments in high-need districts for retaining effective teachers.

Authors

• Handrea A. Logis, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Marina Serdiouk, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Trevor Leutscher, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Tanee Hudgens, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Joshua H. Barnett, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching