A Profession at a Crossroads: Disaggregating Retention Trends in the Pennsylvania Educator Workforce

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 4:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Retention Across Contexts (Table 13)

Abstract

Pennsylvania is experiencing an unprecedented educator workforce shortage as 7.7% of educators left classrooms in SY 2022/2023 (Fuller, 2023a) and enrollment in educator preparation programs (EPP) has steadily declined (Fuller, 2023b). Utilizing longitudinal statewide data, this research examined overall retention, as well as same-subject trends in retention for science, math, ELA and elementary school educators. Findings suggest retention trended downward in recent years and that there were minimal to moderate differences in retention rates among science, math, ELA and elementary educators. Additional analyses highlight disparities in retention among educators of color. These findings will be discussed further, particularly within the context of additional research conducted that identified low levels of completion among Pennsylvania teacher candidates of color in EPP.

Authors

• Rhonda Johnson, Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Megan McGinley, Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Candy M. Miller, Lancaster Lebanon IU13