Research from the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools and the UCLA Civil Rights Project explores obstacles to recruiting and retaining Teachers of Color and Indigenous Teachers (TOCIT) in California’s schools. Researchers sought perspectives from teachers and system leaders in teacher preparation to better understand current policies and practices that are contributing to teacher burnout, turnover, and early retirement. Despite California’s recent, large investments toward improving educator diversity, persistent higher rates of burnout, turnover, and early retirement among teachers of color and Indigenous teachers indicate other factors are at play. At a time when many states are eliminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs designed to foster positive race relations and equity, the research provides examples of persistent discrimination in the training process and the enormous economic barriers that many students of color face in accessing the educational and professional resources and support they need to become teachers. Learn more on the CTS website.
California is experiencing a teacher shortage crisis, a pattern most prevalent for math, science, special education, and bilingual education. Although the shortage is widespread, the struggle to hire qualified teachers is particularly acute in some regions. This study profiles nine rural border counties in California that have limited access to Teacher Education Programs (TEPs): Alpine, Del Norte, Imperial, Inyo, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Sierra, and Siskiyou. CTS researchers classify these counties as “teacher education deserts” that face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers. By highlighting factors like geographic location, economic status, and education attainment rates, this brief provides insights into the profound impact that geographic, social, and economic factors have on a county’s teacher supply. Evidence-based recommendations are provided to address urgent teacher supply issues in these regions. Learn more on the CTS website.
The results are in: CA’s teachers are “stressed”, “exhausted”, & “overwhelmed”. A survey of more than 4,600 current teachers in California finds that while teachers enter the profession to help students and make a difference, many teachers today are feeling acute levels of stress, job dissatisfaction, and are considering leaving the profession. The findings underscore significant challenges to teacher retention and the recruitment and preparation of aspiring teachers, especially teachers of color. Voices from the Classroom: Developing a Strategy for Teacher Retention and Recruitment, details results from a quantitative survey of 4,632 current TK-12th grade teachers in California conducted by Hart Research Associates on behalf of CTS and CTA. The report also includes insights from in-depth interviews with former and aspiring teachers who have taught or plan to teach in California. The survey results reveal alarming findings related to job satisfaction and future outlook, teacher retention, and diversity & inclusion within the school work environment. Learn more on the CTS website.
