In the discussion this week, I invited you to pause and think about what you believe are the biggest reasons teachers leave schools.
Our experiences as leaders give us valuable insight. At the same time, it can be helpful to look at what research has uncovered over time.
This short video features insights from Richard Ingersoll, a well known researcher whose work focuses on teacher turnover and the organizational conditions inside schools that influence whether teachers stay or leave.
Watch the short video
(3 minutes)
The Brainwaves Video Anthology - Why Teachers Quit
As you watch, listen for what stands out to you.
After watching, reflect on one question:
What part of Ingersollโs explanation feels most connected to what you see in your own school or district? Which of the five factors of teacher retention that weโve talked about did you hear mentioned?
You might consider:
- Does his explanation align with what you shared in the discussion?
- Is there anything that surprised you?
- Where do you see this dynamic showing up in your own context?
You do not need to solve anything yet. The goal this week is simply to connect your own observations with what research suggests about why teachers stay or leave.
Sometimes that small moment of alignment can help clarify where to focus next.
