Recruiting and Retaining Teachers—A Resource Brief Collection

Attracting and retaining excellent educators is one of the most important drivers of a well-functioning education system—a system that must prepare diverse students with complex needs to participate in today’s knowledge-driven economy. However, a recent surge in the demand for teachers, alongside a diminishing supply and a steady rate of teachers leaving the profession, threatens students’ academic and economic welfare. Teacher turnover adversely impacts student achievement, school finances, and school improvement efforts. Specific, targeted supports can help recruit and retain teachers in your district.

These seven briefs outline the most common challenges related to recruiting and retaining teachers from underrepresented backgrounds or with certain certifications in Illinois, though these challenges are common across the country.