Teacher Certification Pathways and Long-Term Teacher Retention: A 10-Year Longitudinal Analysis

• In Event: From Certification to Retention: How Pathways and Supports Shape the Teaching Workforce (US, China, and Chile)

Abstract

An increasing number of teachers are earning their certification credentials through alternative pathways. This study uses 10 years of longitudinal state data to examine how contextual factors influence long-term retention of both traditionally and alternatively certified teachers. We focus on three, five, and ten years after certification, and analyze retention rates by certification pathway. Our findings suggest that strengthening efforts to diversify the educator workforce is a key lever to advancing long-term teacher retention. These findings have implications for policy and practice.

Authors

• Janet Solis Rodriguez, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Pedro Reyes, University of Texas at Austin