The Real Cost of Teacher Attrition (& How to Prevent It)

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Show Notes:

Each spring, a new group of educators graduates from college full of hope, promise, and excitement to finally have their own classroom and teach young children. Unfortunately, the joy they once felt often fades quickly, replaced by stress and overwhelm, which can ultimately lead to teacher attrition.

It’s no secret that teaching comes with challenges, but when you're just starting out, those challenges can feel even more overwhelming. In last week’s episode, I shared the three biggest struggles new teachers face, based on research, which are: classroom management, a lack of resources and guidance, and an unsupportive environment. In today’s episode, I’m taking that conversation a step further by exploring how these challenges directly contribute to teacher attrition.

Teacher attrition isn’t just about losing great educators. It comes with real and significant costs—financial, emotional, and academic—for schools, students, teachers, and entire communities. In this episode, I’m diving deeper into these consequences and shedding light on the drastic impact that losing teachers has on our education system.

Educators leaving the profession has become all too common in our society, and it’s rarely due to a lack of passion. More often, it's a lack of support. The good news? There are things we can do right now to change this trajectory and create better experiences for beginning teachers. By understanding the true cost of teacher attrition, you’ll be better equipped to support new educators and positively influence student achievement.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• A quick recap of the three biggest challenges new teachers face, based on research.
• The real cost of teacher attrition and what we can do to prevent it. 
• The financial burden on schools and districts when teachers leave and the proactive solutions they can take right now.
• How lack of preparation and support leads to emotional and psychological stress for beginning teachers, often resulting in burnout.
• The impact of teacher attrition on student achievement, especially in high-poverty schools.

References:

• Blair, N. (2019, September). New teachers face three common challenges. ASCD.
• Matsumoto-Royo, K., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2021). Core practices in practice-based teacher education: A systematic literature review of its teaching and assessment process. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 70, 101047.
• Mathews, J. (2011, December 18). New teacher decries lesson plan gap [blog post]. Retrieved from Class Struggle at The Washington Post at www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/class-struggle/post/new-teacher-decries-lesson-plan-gap/2011/12/17/gIQAt0C50O_blog.html
• Melnick, S., & Meister, D. (2008). A comparison of beginning and experienced teachers' concerns. Educational Research Quarterly, 31(3), 39–56.
• Matsumoto-Royo, K., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2021). Core practices in practice-based teacher education: A systematic literature review of its teaching and assessment process. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 70, 101047.
• Smith, T. M., & Ingersoll, R. M. (2004). What are the effects of induction and mentoring on beginning teacher turnover? American Educational Research Journal, 41(3), 681–714.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Learn more about the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy
• Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset
• Learn More about Academy District Partnerships
• Learn More about Academy University Partnerships
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• The 3 Biggest Challenges for New Teachers (& How to Solve Them)
• New Teacher Training Series Part Six: Why New Teachers Leave the Profession (And How to Avoid Being One of Them)
• How to Manage Stress & Uncertainty: Social-Emotional Support for Teachers
• Is Your Admin Supportive? How to Ask for the Help You Need
• 6 Things to Do This Summer to Ensure You are Ready for Your First Year: The New Teacher Guide
• New Teacher Training Series Part Seven: How to Know if R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy Is Right for You

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