Nationwide, the shortage of special education teachers is expected to grow, fueled by expanding demand and high teacher attrition rates. The situation in Texas mirrors that of the nation. A needs assessment conducted by Abilene Christian University (ACU) in west central Texas found: a continuing need for special education teachers in the area;…

This paper examines findings from a study that investigated the reasons for high teacher attrition rates in South Carolina public schools. Surveys of 359 former teachers and interviews with respondents indicated that the primary issue in teacher attrition was lack of support for beginning teachers from the building and district level…

This study investigated problematic aspects of teaching that influenced beginning teachers' decisions to continue teaching or leave the profession. Participants were new teachers with 3 or less years of experience from 25 south Texas districts. Surveys were mailed to each campus for distribution. The survey instrument asked teachers about…

Examines educator drop out rates in Illinois and reveals that this problem is not as great as has been reported in the media. (FL)

Discusses internship programs in teacher education, highlighting how the University of California San Diego's secondary internship credential program contributes to development and retention of secondary teachers. The internship provides an intense relationship among novices, skilled professionals, and research faculty. Evaluation of the program…

Proposes that educational change can be an opportunity for teachers to grow professionally and become reenchanted with (committed to) outdoor education. This process requires that outdoor teachers examine the content of their teaching and evaluate their personal and professional characteristics. Includes a fable illustrating possible outcomes of…

This article offers a conceptual model for studying teacher attrition and retention. The model incorporates historical, environmental, and external factors believed to influence teachers' decisions about whether to continue teaching. The framework is used to draw implications for future special education teacher preparation research. (Author/DB)

This study used path analysis to examine the effects of work-related factors--including principal support, stress, role problems, job satisfaction, and commitment--on 542 Virginia special educators' expressions of intent to stay in teaching. The study concluded that these work-related variables should be included in strategies for retaining…

This commentary discusses concerns related to special education research, particularly the research-to-practice gap in the United States. It contends that by addressing problems associated with teacher education, teacher attrition, and teacher shortage in special education, great strides can be made in closing the gap. (Contains references.)…

A survey of 558 teachers in rural schools and districts in British Columbia explored influences on teachers' decisions to enter, remain in, or leave their districts. Important factors in career decisions were the job itself, lifestyle, school district recruiters, financial compensation, social and recreational opportunities, and partner's job. (KS)

This article discusses the results of a survey conducted by the author asking music teachers why they leave their jobs. The author compiled an e-mail survey and sent it to instrumental music teachers who were making plans to leave their jobs for new positions or to leave the music education profession entirely. In order to widen the pool of…

The purpose of this study is to describe the level of administrator support perceived by special education teachers in South Texas. The literature on teacher retention indicates that "lack of administrative support" as an important reason for leaving the profession. This study examined the factors related to administrator support…

Teacher attrition has become a very serious problem in the United States in recent years. Studies have shown that many talented, new teachers are leaving the profession early in their careers due to feelings of isolation. In response to the alarming turnover rate, school districts have adopted mentoring programs which have been successful at…

The attrition rate of 1st-year special education teachers is a mounting concern. Researchers have identified several factors that contribute to the stress that many novice teachers experience and their subsequent attrition. If necessary support from mentors, colleagues, and administrators is not in place, many 1st-year teachers opt to leave the…

This article explores the transience and mobility of teachers working in an isolated community: a secondary school in regional Australia. Drawing on parent, student, and teacher interviews, we ask: how should we understand these teacher commitments to schooling and how does this influence parents' and students' commitments and understandings of…