Why Teachers Are Leaving and What Can Be Done to Better Support Them to Stay

• In Event: How Workplace Conditions Matter for Teacher Retention

Abstract

The attrition rate among teachers has emerged as a concern for schools worldwide. With increased attrition, schools face challenges recruiting new teachers, the educational environment, and student learning. The purpose of the current study was to better understand why teachers leave the profession and what schools can do to limit teacher attrition. This qualitative study included 28 teachers who indicated that they were leaving or in the process of leaving their current position. Semi-structured interviews completed during May and June 2024 revealed five major themes for teachers leaving and four major themes for better-supporting teacher retention. The results of the current study may help school leaders better understand and support teachers in hopes of limiting attrition in the future.

Authors

• Tim Pressley, Christopher Newport University

• David T. Marshall, Auburn University

• Heather Walter, George Mason University

• Kyla Ganey, Christopher Newport University