What Predicts Teacher Turnover in Rural Schools? Assessing the Reasons for Rural Teacher Departures Post-COVID-19

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 10:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: The Politics of Teacher Pedagogy: Preparation, Place, and Social Change (Table 7)

Abstract

This study examines factors related to teacher turnover in rural local education agencies (LEAs) in North Carolina following the COVID-19 pandemic. Regression analyses were estimated to predict teacher departures from rural LEAs in the 2021-22 academic year with models including economic and teacher support variables. Results show that lower teacher income significantly increases teacher turnover in rural areas. Community support and overall satisfaction with the school climate were significantly associated with a reduction in teacher turnover in rural schools as well. We compare findings for rural LEAs to those for urban LEAs to highlight differences for the unique rural school context. Findings suggest areas for targeted policies to focus on those factors related to teacher turnover in rural settings.

Authors

• Rebecca Roope, East Carolina University

• Justin Nelson, Campbell University

• Laura Lunsford, National Science Foundation

• Kathleen Castillo-Clark, Deans for Impact