Rural Teacher Recruitment & Retention Strategy 1.0

The most important thing a district can do to reduce teacher turnover is to have a coherent teacher recruitment, hiring, and support system that aligns with district goals and priorities. Putting the time into attracting applicants, evaluating their fit with school and community needs, and providing ongoing support is far superior to a piece meal approach that may neglect critical aspects of the process. Doing an audit of the system will identify gaps in the process.

Reducing Teacher Turnover Costs in Rural Districts

School districts can realize cost savings by minimizing the amount of teacher turnover they have each year. A study from the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future estimates the cost of replacing a teacher to range from $4,300 per year in a small rural district in New Mexico to almost $18,000 in Chicago.

Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics, Hobart Harmon and I identify seven strategies rural districts can use to reduce teacher turnover:

1. Implement an aligned teacher recruitment, hiring, and support system.
   
2. Hire early.
   
3. Implement a mentoring program for new teachers.
   
4. Help teachers find a place to live in the district.
   
5. Develop local teaching talent.
   
6. Create positive workplace conditions.
   
7. Find out why teachers leave.

Email me if you'd like a copy of the Reducing Teacher Turnover Costs in Rural Districts policy brief.