Reasons for Teacher Attrition: Experience Matters

Effective teaching contributes to student growth. Quality teaching requires experienced teachers. Yet teachers continue to leave the profession at an increasing rate. This study presents moderate to large differences in 22 reasons for attrition among five levels of teacher experience. Data from the 2011-12 School and Staffing Survey and the 2012-13 Teacher Follow-up Survey were combined. Notable differences in leaving the teaching profession exist among teachers with varying experience levels. Differences can be used to implement targeted policies to retain teachers at various levels of decision-making. Keywords teacher attrition, retention, quality, experience.