The High Cost of Teacher Turnover

Teacher turnover is a common issue in many school districts across the country. High rates of teacher attrition negatively impact districts, including reduced educational quality, increased financial burden, and decreased morale among teachers, students, and families. Low teacher turnover enhances educational quality and increases student achievement which can, in turn, enhance property values and the local economy.

Inducing Teacher Turnover

Teacher turnover becomes an even more pressing concern in districts with partisan school boards. Partisan politics creeping into board discussions can enhance disagreements and division and reduce consensus on educational issues. This tone can make the teachers and educators feel second-class to the political showdown in the school board meeting. Teachers begin to feel that their voices are not heard or that their concerns are not taken seriously by the board. This can lead to a lack of trust and a lack of engagement, which can make it more difficult for teachers to feel valued and supported in their work. (read more here)

Partisan school boards negatively impact the morale of teachers and create an unstable work environment. This, in turn, leads to higher levels of stress and burnout for individual teachers (read more here). Eventually, they leave for other districts in hopes of finding more support. This then increases teacher turnover in the district they left. 

Costs of Teacher Turnover

The financial cost of teacher turnover is substantial. It is estimated that the average cost related to hiring a replacement in a district like Kettle Moraine is $10,000 per educator – and this doesn’t even take into account the costs of substitute teachers that are often needed to cover the classes until a replacement is hired.

When teachers leave, they take with them years of experience and institutional knowledge. It disrupts students’ learning which can result in reduced educational quality. Reduced educational quality and lower student achievement can, in turn, negatively impact property values and the local economy.

Keeping Teacher Turnover Low

It is important for school districts with partisan school boards to understand the impact that politics can have on teacher turnover, and to work to create an environment that is supportive and positive for teachers. This can include things like providing professional development opportunities, investing in classroom resources, and working to foster a sense of community among teachers. By taking these steps, school districts can help to reduce the costs associated with teacher turnover, and ensure that their students receive the best possible education. Even more importantly, school boards could pledge to be non-partisan and object to partisan talking points during school board discussions.

If we truly aim to be fiscally responsible, we shouldn’t induce more teacher turnover. Our school boards should work to keep our teachers to ensure a stable learning environment where experienced teachers who know our community teach our kids. This is good for ensuring consistent learning experiences for our youth and good for our community.