Educator Turnover Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels

A recent Rand Corporation report finds educator turnover increased markedly over pre-pandemic levels, but steps are being taken to address teacher shortages.

Three hundred district and charter network leaders in the American School District Panel were surveyed from October to December 2022 with the goal of answering two questions:

• Did educator turnover increase nationally at the end of the 2021-2022 school year?
• Did districts continue to experience staff shortages during the 2022-2023 school year?

Researchers found that teacher turnover increased 4 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels, bringing the rate to 10 percent nationally. Principal turnover made an even more concerning jump, hitting 16 percent, 13 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels.

Teacher turnover in 2021-2022 was highest in urban districts, high-poverty districts, and districts serving predominately students of color. Principal turnover was highest in high-poverty districts and rural districts.

District leaders overall reported less acute staffing shortages in 2022-2023 over the prior year. However, it continues to be a struggle to staff substitute teachers, special education teachers, and bus drivers. Ninety percent of districts report one or more policy changes enacted by the district or their state intended to boost teacher ranks. These policies primarily centered on increased pay and/or benefits and the expansion of grow-your-own teacher preparation programs.

The full report can be downloaded via the Rand Corporation website.