Teacher Turnover and Unequal Distribution of Experienced Teachers in Turkey

• In Event: 14.043 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.043-2 - An International Survey of the Status of Teacher Education and Retention

Abstract

This study investigates the mobility-related teacher turnover issue in Turkey through both quantitative and qualitative methods. Descriptive and correlational analyses were employed based on countrywide teacher assignment and mobility data to demonstrate that a high rate of mobility-related turnover is observed in less-developed, eastern provinces of Turkey. Moreover, the reasons for high turnover and its impacts on student outcomes and school processes were explored through in-depth interviews with school principals. The qualitative findings derived from interviews suggest that factors contributing to turnover issue are largely related to socio-economic and geographic conditions of the region. The qualitative findings further suggest that teacher turnover issue has far-reaching negative consequences across school-wide performances and processes, and should not be underestimated by policy makers.

Author

• Murat Ozoglu, Yıldırım Beyazıt University