Teacher Retention

Due to a high percentage of teachers who will be eligible to retire within the next ten years, a growing student population, and teachers leaving the profession early, Arizona’s schools must do everything possible to retain current and new teachers. In particular, teachers of diverse backgrounds, who reflect Arizona’s student population (ethnically and linguistically), are vital to the quality of schools and student achievement. School districts may choose to offer incentives to retain current teachers, especially in rural and urban areas. In the past few years, incentives such as housing allowances, bonuses and four-day school weeks have been proposed and/or offered in select school districts.

Recent studies have found that teacher effectiveness is a very important factor in a student’s academic achievement, more so than class size and heterogeneity. Students who are assigned to several effective teachers in a row have higher academic achievement than do students who are assigned to several ineffective teachers in succession. Studies show that higher student achievement levels are related to their teachers’ access to and participation in professional development programs. In addition, building systems that support a culture of cooperation and collaboration among teachers is essential to retaining quality teachers, particularly new teachers.

Professional Development

Teachers need to continually build on their skills and adapt to changing standards, curriculum, culture and technology. Professional development opportunities allow teachers to stay abreast of current practices and grow in areas critical to their performance in the classroom.

The Arizona Department of Education outlines professional development requirements for certified teachers on its Application for Renewal of Certification. A teacher certification page describes what activities are considered appropriate professional development activities, and what documentation is required. Furthermore, one of the four main standards in the Arizona Department of Education’s resource guide for Standards and Rubrics for School Improvement, is ‘Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development’. The standards are used by schools across the state to identify the strengths and limitations of their educational programs, and are anchored in the scientifically research-based principles and indicators that consistently distinguish top-performing schools.

There are numerous programs available for teachers interested in professional development opportunities. NCTE/TEPC’s Education Resources page links job seekers to a multitude of professional development sites.

A Culture Of Support, Cooperation And Collaboration

A school system that exemplifies the ideals of cooperation and collaboration between teachers, and between teachers and administrators, is also essential to improving professional practice and teacher job satisfaction. The following links are to resources that discuss the necessity of providing a supportive environment for teachers, thus improving retention rates.

ASCD, Educational Leadership, Improving Professional Practice (March 2006)

ASCD. Educational Leadership, Supporting New Educators (May 2005)

Arizona K-12 Center, Teacher Induction

The New Teacher Center

American Federation of Teachers

Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession

Education World