Determining Factors to Reduce Attrition Rate Among Certificated Teachers

This study addresses the significant challenge of teacher retention in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where the state experienced a concerning 7.7% attrition rate in 2022-2023, representing 9,587 educators leaving their positions. Teacher turnover creates serious educational disruptions by eroding established student-teacher relationships and institutional knowledge while imposing substantial financial burdens that can exceed $20,000 per replacement teacher. Through a mixed-methods approach, this research examines retention factors across two anonymous districts within Colonial Intermediate Unit #20, guided by three central questions: (1) What perceptions do certificated professional staff identify as important for remaining within the Papillon School District as measured by the Panorama Education Survey? (2) What factors contribute to professional staff retention in the Border Collie School District as measured by an Educator Stay Survey? (3) What recruitment and retention strategies have been adopted by other districts within Colonial Intermediate Unit #20 in the past five years as measured by a District Perception Survey? The research design employs a mixed-methods approach utilizing three electronic surveys to collect quantitative and qualitative data on teacher satisfaction, institutional support, and career commitment factors. The research is expected to provide district leaders, particularly Chief Human Resources Officers, with actionable insights for creating supportive environments that enhance educational quality while reducing the operational burden of constant recruitment cycles. This study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding of teacher retention and practical implementation of effective strategies.