How Does In-Service Professional Development Help Retain Beginning Teachers?

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Identity Development, Socialization, and Retention (Table 27)

Abstract

In-service professional development (PD) is critical in enhancing teachers’ capabilities, especially for early-career alternative certification (AC) teachers. This study advances the understanding of teacher retention by investigating how teachers’ perceptions of their PD experiences influence their career plans. Results underscore the importance of high-quality PD in reducing beginning teachers’ turnover intentions, with evidence that high-quality PD is a significant moderating factor in the relationship between certification routes and turnover intentions. The results further indicate that AC teachers benefit more from high-quality PD than their traditionally prepared peers. This study offers valuable insights into the complexities of PD and proposes practical implications for enhancing in-service PD to retain beginning teachers.

Author

• Shuai Li, University of Virginia