Arizona’s teacher retention crisis affects classrooms and students but it also costs taxpayers money.
A tool from the Learning Policy Institute puts the annual cost of replacing departing teachers in Arizona at more than $150 million.
In Arizona, 14% teachers leave their jobs — double the national average rate of 7%, according to the Center for the Future of Arizona.
The numbers also show a gap tied to training, about 12% of fully certified teachers leave Arizona classrooms each year, compared to about 21% of teachers without full certification.
Over the last two weeks, Arizona Luminaria and Channel 13 News have explored teacher retention solutions — from free residency and certification programs to teachers picking up second and third jobs to stay in the classroom. Watch the video below for more and find the full series here.
Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
Shannon Conner is the education solutions reporter for Arizona Luminaria supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation.
Teacher retention series
A free dishwasher and a path to remain in the classroom
While walking his dog, the chemistry teacher saw a dishwasher across the street. It was parked on the curb. It needed a hose and electrical… Keep reading
Second jobs can keep Tucson teachers in the profession, but at what cost?
Before her 7:20 a.m. arrival at Bloom Elementary School on Tucson’s east side, Rebecca Vieira wakes up, preps three boys for the day and makes… Keep reading
“The human work of teaching”: Arizona’s Teacher Residency Program a solution to keeping educators in the profession
FLAGSTAFF — When it became clear last spring Ruben Rosthenhausler would lose his job as manager of the Berger Performing Arts Center, he told himself… Keep reading
Keeping teachers in the classroom: Examining Southern Arizona solutions to a nationwide crisis
One local teacher dumpster dives for classroom supplies. Another left his job of more than two decades to enter the classroom, inspired by his family… Keep reading
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