Have Rural Teachers Surpassed Urban Teachers in Retention Intentions?——A National Empirical Study Based on 16,752 Teachers across 21 Provinces in China

• In Event: Understanding and Sustaining Rural Educators: Motivation, Professional Learning, and Workforce Development

Abstract

Based on data from 16,752 teachers across 21 provinces in China, this study identifies a “rural–urban reversal” in teacher retention intentions—rural teachers now show a stronger willingness to stay than urban counterparts. This finding remains robust after multiple tests. Key drivers include higher salaries, improved housing, favorable title promotion policies, enhanced school quality, and reduced job stress. Under the national strategy of strengthening education, this reversal signals the need for a shift from broad compensatory policies to more refined, targeted designs. Such transformation is essential to achieve balanced teacher mobility and promote the sustainable development of the rural teaching workforce.

Authors

• Tingzhou Li, East China Normal University

• Li Xin, East China Normal University