The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) estimates that the U.S. needs approximately 63,000 more school psychologists to meet the recommended ratio of one student per 500 school psychologists. This would ensure every student has access to comprehensive school psychological services. Unfortunately, while students are facing a mental…

During a time when teacher turnover is high, retention is low, and some positions go unfilled for years at a time, the conditions have never been more favorable to redesign the fundamental way we staff our nation's schools. Brent W. Maddin and Randy L. Mahlerwein describe how Arizona's Mesa Public Schools and Arizona State University are working…

When teachers talk about leaving the profession, they are commonly described as "burnt out." But for many, argues Doris Santoro, that's not the real story. In truth, most teachers enter teaching because they want to pursue moral commitments to the well-being of their students, colleagues, and communities. In-depth interviews with…

One way to identify good schools is to look for the schools where teachers want to work. Jeremy Glazer interviewed teachers in one large urban school district who moved from hard-to-staff schools to some of the district's most desirable schools, asking what motivated their moves and why the schools they sought out were attractive to them. These…

In its well-intentioned effort to create alternatives to public school dropout factories, the charter school sector has created teacher burnout factories. But it does not have to be this way. Charter schools can continue to maintain high standards while creating a more sustainable work environment for teachers. This article examines the teacher…

The 2019 PDK Poll of the Public's Attitude Toward the Public Schools finds that half of public school teachers have considered leaving the profession in the past year, and majorities say that, given the opportunity, they'd vote to strike, an action that large majorities of parents and the public say they'd support. In other results, Americans say…

A large-scale, nationwide analysis of Teach For America teacher turnover presents a deeper picture of which TFAers stay, which ones leave the profession and some suggestions about why they leave. The authors learned that nearly two-thirds (60.5%) of TFA teachers continue as public school teachers beyond their two-year commitment; more than half…

Many principals use harassing supervision to encourage low-performing teachers to leave. Principals are driven to this tactic because teacher evaluation systems don't systematically identify low-performing teachers, principals don't understand the teacher removal process, principal training programs don't build principal expertise in hiring and…

Empirical research on the supply and demand of math and science teachers finds some surprising results. The employment of qualified math and science teachers has more than kept pace with the demand, and most schools find qualified teachers for those positions. However, about a third of public schools--particularly high-poverty, high-minority, and…

Recounts a dinner conversation between 2 high school English teachers: a 30-year veteran, and a former protege planning to enter college teaching after 5 disappointing years pursuing a vision of classroom integrity. Both seem disillusioned by incessant daily interruptions and distractions beyond their control. Sadly the teacher attrition rate…

Those who are entrusted with the economic and social future of the U.S. should be unnerved with what is happening and not happening in the essential areas of teacher preparation, recruitment, and retention. Mindful of the facts, the College Board's Center for Innovative Thought, whose members include academic and business leaders, assessed the…

A survey of Wisconsin school districts showed that teacher resignation rates were quite low. Smaller districts faced the highest number of resignations. Resigning teachers tended to be rated by their supervisors as above average. The study results suggest that fears of "teacher flight" may be exaggerated. (PGD)

Methods to reduce layoffs, encourage natural staff turnover, and quell fear and frustration are unpaid leaves of absence, job sharing, early retirement bonus programs, and aggressive teacher evaluation. Where layoffs have been unavoidable, some school districts have devised placement services. Districts must avoid using layoffs to create turnover.…

This document examines rural education in the member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Within these nations the range of conditions and communities that are called rural is enormous. Nevertheless, the allocation of human and financial resources to rural education has increased despite generally adverse economic…

With annual salaries for Head Start and other nonpublic school child care programs in the $11,000 to $15,000 range, it is impossible to recruit and retain qualified teachers. This article discusses the rationale for improving and appropriately financing all early care and education programs. Includes nine references. (MLH)