This study examines the relationship between teacher agency, autonomy, and teacher attrition and shortage challenges in U.S. K-12 education. Utilizing a quantitative approach, a survey was carried out to 200 teachers in Iowa, achieving a 52% response rate. Findings indicate a positive correlation between teacher empowerment and reduced attrition rates. However, respondents largely disagreed that canceling teacher certification examinations would help retain educators, aligning with previous research. Most participants expressed job satisfaction but identified factors such as workload and working conditions as contributors to attrition. The study highlights the need to examine teacher shortages' root causes systematically and recommends expanding research to include diverse geographical areas. It suggests that differing perceptions of empowerment among educators may influence their views on agency and autonomy, indicating a need for more nuanced exploration in future studies.