Teacher turnover in Wisconsin has reached its highest point in decades, especially in core subject areas like English, math, and science, according to a recent Badger Institute report.
Though the overall number of teachers in the state has only slightly declined since 2010 — and student enrollment has dropped even more — turnover and transfer rates have climbed to levels not seen in more than 25 years.
Turnover rates in 2022–23 exceeded 15% in core subjects, with music and art teachers facing even higher levels of churn. Transfers between districts now account for a significant portion of turnover, particularly in small districts where teacher mobility and staffing challenges are most pronounced.
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While the number of teachers per 1,000 students has generally increased — especially in smaller districts — the report suggests that quality and retention may be larger issues than raw headcounts.
The increasing frequency of teachers leaving one district for another raises critical questions about workplace satisfaction, demand for educators, and whether desperate districts are simply trying to fill positions with whoever is available.
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Exit rates, which had been falling for years, are now rising again — hinting at deeper dissatisfaction or better opportunities outside the profession.