Examining Differences in the Retention and Mobility of Teachers of Color by Racial/Ethnic Group

• In Event: Division K Section 7: Retention Roundtable

Abstract

This study involves a longitudinal statewide analysis of factors that impact the retention and mobility of teachers of color. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to investigate year-to-year cohort-based data from 2015-16 to 2019-20, with Hispanic/Latinx teachers as the reference group. Findings indicate that full-time status is a unique predictor for teachers of color staying in the same school. Statistical analyses also revealed differences among individual racial/ethnic groups. In some years, Black teachers have statistically lower rates of staying in the same school and higher rates of exiting as compared to Hispanic/Latinx teachers. These and other findings suggest the importance of examining outcomes by individual racial and ethnic group when considering efforts to diversify the teacher workforce.

Authors

• Ana M. Elfers, University of Washington

• Margaret L. Plecki, University of Washington

• Youngwon Kim

• Ni Bei, University of Washington - Seattle