Teacher attrition in the United States has reached its highest level in more than two decades, with a record 11% of teachers leaving their schools every year, according to recent research. As reported by the EducationWeek on January 15, 2025, this surge in attrition rates follows a sharp spike in 2021-22 and has remained a significant challenge for school districts across the country. The alarming trend has intensified the pressure on education leaders to address both recruitment and retention issues in the wake of the pandemic.
The study, led by Joshua Bleiberg from the University of Pittsburgh and Tuan Nguyen from the University of Kansas, analyzed teacher attrition across 40 states from 2016 to 2021. Their findings indicate that, despite a brief decline in teacher departures during the pandemic’s first year, the rate of teacher turnover has now reached the highest point since 1999. The data also reveals that this attrition gap has widened between districts, with some facing significantly higher rates of teacher loss than others. As reported by the EducationWeek, the study highlights how local economic conditions and teacher salaries are now more closely linked to a district’s ability to retain staff.
Factors Driving the Surge
Multiple factors are fueling the current wave of teacher attrition, including compensation disparities, poor working conditions, and the rising role of contract teaching. According to a separate study by Quentin Brummet of the University of Chicago, a teacher’s starting salary has long-term consequences on their career trajectory. Brummet’s research, which tracked over 6,200 teachers in Oregon, found that the highest-paid teachers earned up to $40,000 more annually than those in the lowest quartile, and those gaps persisted over the next five years. Teachers with lower starting salaries were also far more likely to leave the profession, especially if they had a higher-earning spouse, as reported by the EducationWeek.
Worsening Working Conditions
The challenges don’t end with pay. Working conditions for teachers, which were already a concern prior to the pandemic, have only worsened. A study by Sofia Baker of the University of Missouri, focusing on Illinois public schools, found that teacher satisfaction with their work environment has declined dramatically since the pandemic. As reported by the EducationWeek, teachers now report feeling more isolated, less supported by administration, and more stressed. These deteriorating conditions, coupled with continued financial instability in many districts, are major factors contributing to higher attrition rates.
The Rise of Contract Teaching
Another trend shaping the teacher labor market is the increasing use of contract teachers. A study by Angela Cox of Vanderbilt University revealed that the number of teachers hired through private agencies has grown, particularly in Oregon. However, these teachers, who typically earn significantly lower salaries and have less experience, may be contributing to the instability in the education system. As reported by the EducationWeek, the average salary for contract teachers in Oregon is nearly $36,000 less than that of their district-employed counterparts.
The studies highlight the complexity of the teacher shortage crisis, underscoring the importance of addressing not only salaries but also the broader working conditions and long-term career prospects for educators. With attrition rates at their highest in over two decades, US schools face an urgent need for systemic change.
