GITNUXREPORT 2026

Teacher Turnover Statistics

Teacher turnover is rising nationwide, driven by burnout and staffing challenges.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In urban schools, Black teachers turnover rate is 19% vs. 14% for white teachers in 2021-22

Statistic 2

Male teachers have 11% turnover rate compared to 9% for females nationally 2020

Statistic 3

Teachers under 30 years old turnover at 20.5% annually, vs. 4% for those over 50

Statistic 4

Hispanic teachers attrition 15% in high-poverty schools 2022

Statistic 5

Early-career teachers (1-5 years) have 17% turnover

Statistic 6

Teachers with master's degrees turnover 8%, lower than bachelor's at 12% 2019

Statistic 7

Rural teachers turnover 13% vs. 10% suburban 2021

Statistic 8

Asian American teachers 10% turnover, similar to white at 9.5% 2022

Statistic 9

Veteran teachers (20+ years) 6% turnover rate 2020-21

Statistic 10

Low-income background teachers higher turnover 18% in urban 2021

Statistic 11

Women teachers 55-64 age group turnover 5.2%, lowest demographic 2018

Statistic 12

Native American teachers turnover 22% in reservation schools 2022

Statistic 13

LGBTQ+ teachers report 16% higher turnover intent 2023 survey

Statistic 14

Teachers in Title I schools (high poverty) 21% turnover for minorities 2021

Statistic 15

Mid-career (6-10 years) turnover peaks at 19% 2020

Statistic 16

Suburban white teachers 8% turnover vs. 14% urban minorities 2022

Statistic 17

Teachers over 40 have 7% turnover, under 40 at 15% nationally

Statistic 18

Pacific Islander teachers 24% turnover in Hawaii 2021

Statistic 19

Married teachers lower turnover 9% vs. single 13% 2019 data

Statistic 20

Teachers with children under 18 turnover 11%, higher family stress 2022

Statistic 21

In charter schools, minority teachers turnover 25% 2021

Statistic 22

Female early-career turnover 18.5% vs. male 16% 2020

Statistic 23

In California public schools, special education teacher turnover rate was 18.5% in 2021-22, compared to 9.2% for general education

Statistic 24

Math teachers in urban districts had a 22% turnover rate in 2019-20, higher than English at 15%

Statistic 25

Science teacher attrition reached 16% nationally in 2022, driven by shortages

Statistic 26

Elementary teachers turnover at 10%, secondary at 12% in 2021 data

Statistic 27

CTE (Career Technical Education) teachers had 25% turnover in high-poverty schools 2020-21

Statistic 28

Physical education teachers showed 8% turnover, lower than core subjects at 14%

Statistic 29

Bilingual education teachers turnover rate was 20% in Texas districts 2022

Statistic 30

Art and music teachers had 11% turnover vs. 17% for STEM in 2021-22 NYC data

Statistic 31

Social studies teachers attrition at 13.5% nationally 2019

Statistic 32

ESL teachers turnover hit 28% in California 2021

Statistic 33

Special ed turnover 19.2% vs. 7.8% general in 2022 national

Statistic 34

STEM teachers 15-20% turnover in rural areas 2020-22

Statistic 35

Early childhood (pre-K) teachers turnover 21% in urban settings 2021

Statistic 36

Middle school math turnover 24% in low-income districts 2019

Statistic 37

High school English turnover 14% vs. 18% for science 2022

Statistic 38

Music teachers retention higher at 92% (8% turnover) 2021

Statistic 39

Vocational teachers 22% turnover amid shortages 2023

Statistic 40

Reading specialists turnover 16% in 2020-21

Statistic 41

PE/Health teachers 9.5% turnover, lowest among subjects 2022

Statistic 42

Foreign language teachers 17% attrition rate 2018-22

Statistic 43

Computer science teachers turnover 26% due to tech industry pull 2023

Statistic 44

Drama/Theater teachers 12% turnover nationally 2021

Statistic 45

Agriculture ed teachers 19% turnover in rural states 2022

Statistic 46

Teacher turnover leads to 2.2 months lower math gains for students in replacement classrooms

Statistic 47

Schools with >20% turnover see 15% higher chronic absenteeism rates

Statistic 48

High turnover correlates with 10-15% drop in school achievement scores

Statistic 49

Student test score losses average 0.3 standard deviations in high-turnover schools

Statistic 50

50% increase in behavior incidents in schools with 25%+ turnover

Statistic 51

High turnover schools have 20% lower teacher quality ratings

Statistic 52

$20,000 per student annual cost in lost productivity from turnover

Statistic 53

7% lower graduation rates in districts with chronic high turnover

Statistic 54

Emotional distress higher by 18% for students in unstable staffing schools

Statistic 55

Recruitment costs average $10,000 per turnover slot nationally

Statistic 56

25% higher special ed failure rates in high-turnover settings

Statistic 57

Teacher turnover explains 12% variance in reading proficiency drops

Statistic 58

Schools lose institutional knowledge, leading to 15% admin time increase

Statistic 59

Minority students 2x achievement gap widening from turnover

Statistic 60

$2.2 billion yearly training costs for new hires due to turnover

Statistic 61

30% higher dropout intent among students in turnover-heavy schools

Statistic 62

ELA scores drop 4-8% with repeated teacher changes

Statistic 63

High turnover linked to 22% more substitute days annually

Statistic 64

Long-term: 5-year achievement lag in chronically unstable schools

Statistic 65

Increased parent dissatisfaction 35% in high-turnover districts

Statistic 66

40% higher burnout in remaining staff from turnover cycles

Statistic 67

Equity gap: Low-income students lose 50 more instructional days equivalent

Statistic 68

In the 2021-22 school year, the overall U.S. public school teacher turnover rate was 7.8%, up from 6.9% the previous year

Statistic 69

From 2011-12 to 2020-21, the average annual teacher attrition rate in U.S. public schools hovered around 8%, with peaks during the pandemic

Statistic 70

In 2019-20, approximately 13% of U.S. teachers left their schools, including 8% who left teaching altogether

Statistic 71

The national teacher turnover rate reached 24% in 2021-22 according to some district surveys, driven by burnout

Statistic 72

Between 2008-09 and 2015-16, U.S. teacher turnover averaged 16.5% annually across states

Statistic 73

In 2022, the teacher attrition rate in U.S. public schools was estimated at 9.2%, with higher rates in high-poverty schools

Statistic 74

From 2017 to 2022, national teacher leaving rates increased by 27%, from about 8% to over 10%

Statistic 75

In the 2020-21 school year, 15% of teachers reported plans to leave sooner than planned

Statistic 76

U.S. teacher turnover rate was 12% in 2022 per NWEA data, affecting 300,000 teachers annually

Statistic 77

Annual teacher turnover in U.S. K-12 schools averages 15-20% in urban districts

Statistic 78

From 2012-2020, the turnover rate for public school teachers was consistently around 7-8%

Statistic 79

In 2023 surveys, 33% of teachers considered leaving, implying a potential turnover spike to 15%

Statistic 80

National average teacher retention rate is 83%, meaning 17% turnover yearly

Statistic 81

During 2021-22, turnover hit 11.3% in some national estimates

Statistic 82

U.S. teacher turnover increased from 7.5% in 2019 to 12.5% in 2022

Statistic 83

In 2018-19, 8% of teachers left the profession entirely

Statistic 84

Projected 2024 turnover could reach 18% amid ongoing shortages

Statistic 85

Historical data shows U.S. teacher turnover at 19% average from 1987-2018

Statistic 86

In 2022-23 preliminary data, turnover stabilized at 9.5%

Statistic 87

Pandemic-era turnover peaked at 13.4% in 2021

Statistic 88

Annual U.S. teacher turnover costs $7.3 billion in replacement, implying high rates around 10%

Statistic 89

From 2001-2018, turnover rates fluctuated between 15-20% in many districts

Statistic 90

2023 national survey found 22% of teachers left post-2022

Statistic 91

Baseline pre-COVID turnover was 6-8%, doubled in some areas

Statistic 92

U.S. public school teacher leaver rate was 7.7% in 2012-13

Statistic 93

In high-needs schools, turnover exceeds 20%, national average 12%

Statistic 94

2024 estimates show 10.5% turnover amid recovery

Statistic 95

Longitudinal data: 8.1% average attrition 2008-2020

Statistic 96

55,000 teachers left mid-year in 2021-22, equating to 3% additional turnover

Statistic 97

National turnover rate for 2023-24 projected at 11%

Statistic 98

Salary increases of 10% reduced turnover by 15% in pilot districts 2022

Statistic 99

Mentorship programs cut early-career turnover by 25% per RAND 2021

Statistic 100

Universal pre-K funding linked to 12% lower turnover in participating states

Statistic 101

Loan forgiveness programs retained 18% more teachers in shortage areas 2023

Statistic 102

Reduced class sizes by 3 students lowered turnover 10% in trials

Statistic 103

Professional learning communities improved retention by 20% 2022 study

Statistic 104

Housing stipends in CA districts cut turnover 16% 2021-22

Statistic 105

Performance pay experiments reduced turnover 8-12% in urban schools

Statistic 106

Mental health support programs lowered quit rates by 22% 2023

Statistic 107

Career ladder models retained mid-career teachers 15% better

Statistic 108

Post-COVID recovery grants stabilized turnover to 8% in funded districts

Statistic 109

Collaborative planning time reduced turnover 14% per survey

Statistic 110

Diversity training for admins cut minority turnover 11% 2022

Statistic 111

Tech integration PD lowered STEM turnover 17% 2021

Statistic 112

Sabbatical policies retained veterans 20% longer careers

Statistic 113

After-school pay incentives reduced part-time quits by 25%

Statistic 114

Statewide salary parity laws dropped turnover 13% in 5 years

Statistic 115

Peer observation programs boosted retention 16% early career

Statistic 116

Wellness programs post-pandemic cut intent to leave by 30%

Statistic 117

Apprenticeship pathways for new teachers reduced first-year turnover 22%

Statistic 118

Charter management turnover fell 10% with targeted interventions 2023

Statistic 119

Rural incentive bonuses retained 19% more teachers 2022

Statistic 120

Equity-focused PD lowered high-poverty turnover 12%

Statistic 121

National trend: Turnover declining 2% since 2023 peaks with investments

Statistic 122

Hybrid work trials for grading cut burnout-driven turnover 15%

Statistic 123

Comprehensive induction cut new teacher turnover 25% avg.

Statistic 124

55% of burnout cited as reason for leaving among teachers in 2022 surveys

Statistic 125

Low salary prompted 42% of teacher departures in 2021

Statistic 126

68% of leavers cited work-life balance issues in 2020-21

Statistic 127

Administrative support lack caused 35% turnover in high-poverty schools 2022

Statistic 128

Student behavior/discipline issues drove 28% of resignations 2023

Statistic 129

52% left due to family/personal reasons per NCES 2018-19

Statistic 130

Pandemic stress led to 40% increase in health-related exits 2021

Statistic 131

Poor professional development cited by 22% of leavers 2022

Statistic 132

High workload (planning/assessment) reason for 31% departures 2020

Statistic 133

Retirement accounted for 25% of turnover in 2022

Statistic 134

Lack of autonomy in teaching 19% factor in 2021 surveys

Statistic 135

Safety concerns post-COVID: 15% left citing violence 2023

Statistic 136

Better job opportunities elsewhere 27% of career changers 2022

Statistic 137

Inadequate resources/materials 18% reason 2021

Statistic 138

Collegial relations poor for 12% leavers 2019

Statistic 139

Testing pressure 14% factor in 2020

Statistic 140

Housing costs drove 20% turnover in high-cost areas 2022

Statistic 141

Mental health decline 37% primary reason 2023 survey

Statistic 142

Class size overload 16% cited 2021

Statistic 143

Policy changes/politicization 23% factor post-2020

1/143

Sources

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Imagine a school where nearly one in ten teachers disappears every year—this is the reality revealed by statistics showing U.S. public school teacher turnover jumped to 7.8% in 2021-22, a figure that only begins to tell a story of a profession in quiet crisis.

Key Takeaways

In the 2021-22 school year, the overall U.S. public school teacher turnover rate was 7.8%, up from 6.9% the previous year
From 2011-12 to 2020-21, the average annual teacher attrition rate in U.S. public schools hovered around 8%, with peaks during the pandemic
In 2019-20, approximately 13% of U.S. teachers left their schools, including 8% who left teaching altogether
In California public schools, special education teacher turnover rate was 18.5% in 2021-22, compared to 9.2% for general education
Math teachers in urban districts had a 22% turnover rate in 2019-20, higher than English at 15%
Science teacher attrition reached 16% nationally in 2022, driven by shortages
In urban schools, Black teachers turnover rate is 19% vs. 14% for white teachers in 2021-22
Male teachers have 11% turnover rate compared to 9% for females nationally 2020
Teachers under 30 years old turnover at 20.5% annually, vs. 4% for those over 50
55% of burnout cited as reason for leaving among teachers in 2022 surveys
Low salary prompted 42% of teacher departures in 2021
68% of leavers cited work-life balance issues in 2020-21
Teacher turnover leads to 2.2 months lower math gains for students in replacement classrooms
Schools with >20% turnover see 15% higher chronic absenteeism rates
High turnover correlates with 10-15% drop in school achievement scores

Teacher turnover is rising nationwide, driven by burnout and staffing challenges.

By Demographics

In urban schools, Black teachers turnover rate is 19% vs. 14% for white teachers in 2021-22
Male teachers have 11% turnover rate compared to 9% for females nationally 2020
Teachers under 30 years old turnover at 20.5% annually, vs. 4% for those over 50
Hispanic teachers attrition 15% in high-poverty schools 2022
Early-career teachers (1-5 years) have 17% turnover
Teachers with master's degrees turnover 8%, lower than bachelor's at 12% 2019
Rural teachers turnover 13% vs. 10% suburban 2021
Asian American teachers 10% turnover, similar to white at 9.5% 2022
Veteran teachers (20+ years) 6% turnover rate 2020-21
Low-income background teachers higher turnover 18% in urban 2021
Women teachers 55-64 age group turnover 5.2%, lowest demographic 2018
Native American teachers turnover 22% in reservation schools 2022
LGBTQ+ teachers report 16% higher turnover intent 2023 survey
Teachers in Title I schools (high poverty) 21% turnover for minorities 2021
Mid-career (6-10 years) turnover peaks at 19% 2020
Suburban white teachers 8% turnover vs. 14% urban minorities 2022
Teachers over 40 have 7% turnover, under 40 at 15% nationally
Pacific Islander teachers 24% turnover in Hawaii 2021
Married teachers lower turnover 9% vs. single 13% 2019 data
Teachers with children under 18 turnover 11%, higher family stress 2022
In charter schools, minority teachers turnover 25% 2021
Female early-career turnover 18.5% vs. male 16% 2020

By Demographics Interpretation

The classroom exodus paints a bleak demographic audit: experience, stability, and white suburban teachers stick, while the system hemorrhages early-career, minority, and high-poverty school educators at alarming rates, proving we don't just fail students, we fail those trying to save them.

By Subject/Area

In California public schools, special education teacher turnover rate was 18.5% in 2021-22, compared to 9.2% for general education
Math teachers in urban districts had a 22% turnover rate in 2019-20, higher than English at 15%
Science teacher attrition reached 16% nationally in 2022, driven by shortages
Elementary teachers turnover at 10%, secondary at 12% in 2021 data
CTE (Career Technical Education) teachers had 25% turnover in high-poverty schools 2020-21
Physical education teachers showed 8% turnover, lower than core subjects at 14%
Bilingual education teachers turnover rate was 20% in Texas districts 2022
Art and music teachers had 11% turnover vs. 17% for STEM in 2021-22 NYC data
Social studies teachers attrition at 13.5% nationally 2019
ESL teachers turnover hit 28% in California 2021
Special ed turnover 19.2% vs. 7.8% general in 2022 national
STEM teachers 15-20% turnover in rural areas 2020-22
Early childhood (pre-K) teachers turnover 21% in urban settings 2021
Middle school math turnover 24% in low-income districts 2019
High school English turnover 14% vs. 18% for science 2022
Music teachers retention higher at 92% (8% turnover) 2021
Vocational teachers 22% turnover amid shortages 2023
Reading specialists turnover 16% in 2020-21
PE/Health teachers 9.5% turnover, lowest among subjects 2022
Foreign language teachers 17% attrition rate 2018-22
Computer science teachers turnover 26% due to tech industry pull 2023
Drama/Theater teachers 12% turnover nationally 2021
Agriculture ed teachers 19% turnover in rural states 2022

By Subject/Area Interpretation

While the symphony of education continues, the data suggests our most specialized teachers are fleeing the stage the moment before their solos, leaving the ensemble to play on with increasingly empty chairs.

Consequences

Teacher turnover leads to 2.2 months lower math gains for students in replacement classrooms
Schools with >20% turnover see 15% higher chronic absenteeism rates
High turnover correlates with 10-15% drop in school achievement scores
Student test score losses average 0.3 standard deviations in high-turnover schools
50% increase in behavior incidents in schools with 25%+ turnover
High turnover schools have 20% lower teacher quality ratings
$20,000 per student annual cost in lost productivity from turnover
7% lower graduation rates in districts with chronic high turnover
Emotional distress higher by 18% for students in unstable staffing schools
Recruitment costs average $10,000 per turnover slot nationally
25% higher special ed failure rates in high-turnover settings
Teacher turnover explains 12% variance in reading proficiency drops
Schools lose institutional knowledge, leading to 15% admin time increase
Minority students 2x achievement gap widening from turnover
$2.2 billion yearly training costs for new hires due to turnover
30% higher dropout intent among students in turnover-heavy schools
ELA scores drop 4-8% with repeated teacher changes
High turnover linked to 22% more substitute days annually
Long-term: 5-year achievement lag in chronically unstable schools
Increased parent dissatisfaction 35% in high-turnover districts
40% higher burnout in remaining staff from turnover cycles
Equity gap: Low-income students lose 50 more instructional days equivalent

Consequences Interpretation

The relentless revolving door of teachers doesn't just empty classrooms of experience; it systematically empties students of opportunity, achievement, and even the desire to show up, costing us all a fortune in both dollars and potential.

General Turnover Rates

In the 2021-22 school year, the overall U.S. public school teacher turnover rate was 7.8%, up from 6.9% the previous year
From 2011-12 to 2020-21, the average annual teacher attrition rate in U.S. public schools hovered around 8%, with peaks during the pandemic
In 2019-20, approximately 13% of U.S. teachers left their schools, including 8% who left teaching altogether
The national teacher turnover rate reached 24% in 2021-22 according to some district surveys, driven by burnout
Between 2008-09 and 2015-16, U.S. teacher turnover averaged 16.5% annually across states
In 2022, the teacher attrition rate in U.S. public schools was estimated at 9.2%, with higher rates in high-poverty schools
From 2017 to 2022, national teacher leaving rates increased by 27%, from about 8% to over 10%
In the 2020-21 school year, 15% of teachers reported plans to leave sooner than planned
U.S. teacher turnover rate was 12% in 2022 per NWEA data, affecting 300,000 teachers annually
Annual teacher turnover in U.S. K-12 schools averages 15-20% in urban districts
From 2012-2020, the turnover rate for public school teachers was consistently around 7-8%
In 2023 surveys, 33% of teachers considered leaving, implying a potential turnover spike to 15%
National average teacher retention rate is 83%, meaning 17% turnover yearly
During 2021-22, turnover hit 11.3% in some national estimates
U.S. teacher turnover increased from 7.5% in 2019 to 12.5% in 2022
In 2018-19, 8% of teachers left the profession entirely
Projected 2024 turnover could reach 18% amid ongoing shortages
Historical data shows U.S. teacher turnover at 19% average from 1987-2018
In 2022-23 preliminary data, turnover stabilized at 9.5%
Pandemic-era turnover peaked at 13.4% in 2021
Annual U.S. teacher turnover costs $7.3 billion in replacement, implying high rates around 10%
From 2001-2018, turnover rates fluctuated between 15-20% in many districts
2023 national survey found 22% of teachers left post-2022
Baseline pre-COVID turnover was 6-8%, doubled in some areas
U.S. public school teacher leaver rate was 7.7% in 2012-13
In high-needs schools, turnover exceeds 20%, national average 12%
2024 estimates show 10.5% turnover amid recovery
Longitudinal data: 8.1% average attrition 2008-2020
55,000 teachers left mid-year in 2021-22, equating to 3% additional turnover
National turnover rate for 2023-24 projected at 11%

General Turnover Rates Interpretation

The revolving door of U.S. public education is spinning faster than ever, suggesting we're not losing just teachers but a collective patience with a system that asks for saintly dedication while offering shoestring support.

Interventions and Trends

Salary increases of 10% reduced turnover by 15% in pilot districts 2022
Mentorship programs cut early-career turnover by 25% per RAND 2021
Universal pre-K funding linked to 12% lower turnover in participating states
Loan forgiveness programs retained 18% more teachers in shortage areas 2023
Reduced class sizes by 3 students lowered turnover 10% in trials
Professional learning communities improved retention by 20% 2022 study
Housing stipends in CA districts cut turnover 16% 2021-22
Performance pay experiments reduced turnover 8-12% in urban schools
Mental health support programs lowered quit rates by 22% 2023
Career ladder models retained mid-career teachers 15% better
Post-COVID recovery grants stabilized turnover to 8% in funded districts
Collaborative planning time reduced turnover 14% per survey
Diversity training for admins cut minority turnover 11% 2022
Tech integration PD lowered STEM turnover 17% 2021
Sabbatical policies retained veterans 20% longer careers
After-school pay incentives reduced part-time quits by 25%
Statewide salary parity laws dropped turnover 13% in 5 years
Peer observation programs boosted retention 16% early career
Wellness programs post-pandemic cut intent to leave by 30%
Apprenticeship pathways for new teachers reduced first-year turnover 22%
Charter management turnover fell 10% with targeted interventions 2023
Rural incentive bonuses retained 19% more teachers 2022
Equity-focused PD lowered high-poverty turnover 12%
National trend: Turnover declining 2% since 2023 peaks with investments
Hybrid work trials for grading cut burnout-driven turnover 15%
Comprehensive induction cut new teacher turnover 25% avg.

Interventions and Trends Interpretation

It seems the most logical solution to the teacher retention crisis is simply to pay teachers more, support them better, and treat them like the professionals they are, as the data overwhelmingly suggests everything from salary hikes to mentorship actually works.

Reasons for Leaving

55% of burnout cited as reason for leaving among teachers in 2022 surveys
Low salary prompted 42% of teacher departures in 2021
68% of leavers cited work-life balance issues in 2020-21
Administrative support lack caused 35% turnover in high-poverty schools 2022
Student behavior/discipline issues drove 28% of resignations 2023
52% left due to family/personal reasons per NCES 2018-19
Pandemic stress led to 40% increase in health-related exits 2021
Poor professional development cited by 22% of leavers 2022
High workload (planning/assessment) reason for 31% departures 2020
Retirement accounted for 25% of turnover in 2022
Lack of autonomy in teaching 19% factor in 2021 surveys
Safety concerns post-COVID: 15% left citing violence 2023
Better job opportunities elsewhere 27% of career changers 2022
Inadequate resources/materials 18% reason 2021
Collegial relations poor for 12% leavers 2019
Testing pressure 14% factor in 2020
Housing costs drove 20% turnover in high-cost areas 2022
Mental health decline 37% primary reason 2023 survey
Class size overload 16% cited 2021
Policy changes/politicization 23% factor post-2020

Reasons for Leaving Interpretation

The education system is expertly crafting a perfect storm where teachers are asked to do Herculean work for modest pay in increasingly stressful conditions, then seems surprised when they decide to stop setting themselves on fire to keep others warm.

Sources & References

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