Science Teacher Turnover in Texas: Who Are They and Where Do They Go?

ABSTRACT The teacher shortage is a very real problem in America's schools. While research has sought to describe the shortage, the science teacher labor market is oftentimes bundled with other curricula. This study aims to better understand science teachers who leave their teaching position, the reasons for their actions, and where science teachers go once they leave their position. Science teacher turnover destination was determined and disaggregated into teachers who move horizontally to another school or district and those who leave the teacher profession. For those that leave the teaching profession, workforce destination was further analyzed as well as salary changes. Findings suggest that teachers with an alternative certification are more likely to leave their teaching position, as well as teachers in rural schools. Those that are leavers have a significant wage boost and likely enter the health or higher education work force. Policy implications are discussed.