Teachers iN Training Ltd.

Increase Teacher Retention:

Currently in Alberta, 1 out of every 3 new teachers leaves the teaching profession within 5 years of graduating from University. In the United States, this figure is closer to 1 out of 2. If future predictions of a teacher shortage are accurate, merely training more teachers will not be enough. Teacher retention may be the deciding factor that ensures that there are enough teachers for all of our classrooms.

The two main reasons given for teachers dropping out of the profession are classroom management issues and a lack of support in their work. In their research, Smith and Ingersoll(2004) found that an induction program consisting of at least seven different components could reduce the attrition rate of teachers by up to 25%. A comprehensive induction program helps with the transition from University into the classroom by giving the new teachers strategies for setting up routines and procedures. As well, on-going support is provided prior to the first day of school and continues for up to three years.

In addition to increasing the retention rates of new teachers, induction has been shown to be very effective in helping to recruit new teachers. The most important thing to a new teacher is to be successful in their chosen career. A division that can promise them support on an on-going basis is much more appealing than one that offers anything else.