Stemming the Revolving Door: Teacher Retention and Attrition in Arctic Alaska Schools

Abstract

Limited research is available concerning teacher retention and teacher attrition in Arctic Alaska. This paper reports survey research findings, which identify factors related to teacher retention and attrition in Alaskan Arctic Native communities. Teacher retention rates (2009-2013) vary widely over time showing no significant trends. Results confirm that teacher turnover in rural districts is higher than in urban school districts. The authors recognize that teacher retention and attrition are multidimensional issues recommending that better communication patterns and shared responsibilities between rural school districts, local administrators, teachers, community members, and university-based teacher preparation programs be established.

Keywords

• Teacher retention
• teacher attrition
• turnover
• rural education
• teacher preparation
• Arctic Alaska
• Alaskan Arctic Native Communities