Teachers’ jobs are complex and require a high degree of skill and expertise. The pressure educators receive to meet teaching and content standards and address the individual needs of each student, while navigating budget constraints and generally lower pay and prestige compared to other professions, has contributed to an increase in teacher burnout and turnover during the past several years.
To thrive in the profession, teachers need qualified, competent, and proactive school and district leaders and mentors, supportive communities, early career support, and opportunities for advancement. In addition to retaining high-quality teachers, many districts grapple with how to recruit educators whose backgrounds are representative of their student population and who have specific subject or pedagogical expertise (e.g., STEM or special education).
When reflecting on the conditions required to improve educator job satisfaction and increase retention, school staff describe the following needs.
Explore the tiles below to learn more about projects and resources that aim to strengthen hiring and retention practices.
Local education agencies engaged teachers in the research, design, and development of innovative solutions to address challenges posed by pipeline issues and teacher shortages.
ELP initially grew out of a collaboration among National Education Association affiliates in seven Midwestern states that came together with the goal of better supporting and retaining early career teachers.
Twelve high school world history educators across the country collaborated with researchers to co-design curricular resources to enhance classroom learning experiences for students in world history.
Peer networks and professional learning communities provide valuable resources and support systems for educators.
Education leaders share what they learned from Finland about whole child development, teacher autonomy, and alternative methods of evaluation and assessment.
Peer networks and professional learning communities provide valuable resources and support systems for educators.
Education leaders share what they learned from Finland about whole child development, teacher autonomy, and alternative methods of evaluation and assessment.
Challenge Map