Shifting Trends, Strategic Needs: Examining Educator Retention in Pennsylvania by Experience Level and Location-Based Characteristics

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 7:45 am
  In Poster Session: Mentoring, Induction, Novice Teacher Support, and Mental Health

Abstract

This study examined recent retention trends in Pennsylvania’s educator workforce by experience level. Key findings revealed that retention among recently hired teachers (1-5 years of experience) declined below that of teachers nearing retirement (26+ years of experience). Regional analysis revealed widespread retention challenges, particularly in the southeast and southwest regions. Regarding urbanicity, the retention rates of early career teachers (1-15 years of experience) were lowest in urban locales, with cities and suburbs experiencing the greatest drops by Fall 2022. In rural areas and towns retention among recently hired teachers also declined but remained higher than those with 26+ years of experience. These findings underscore rising attrition among novice teachers and the need for localized strategies to retain early career teachers.

Authors

• Megan Foley, Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Rhonda Johnson, Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Candy M. Miller, Lancaster Lebanon IU13