Northwestern STate University

My project deals with teacher attrition in the United States, but more specifically with the area in which I reside and teach. Vernon parish has seen a decline in teacher shortages due in part to strategies that have been employed and in part from the state mandates for retirees. I discuss and analyze data from this area.

THE DEARLY DEPARTING-TEACHER ATTRITION IN THE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
by
Angela Griffis
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Specialist Degree-Educational Leadership
Northwestern State University
2003
Approved by
Chairperson of Supervisory Committee



Program Authorized
to Offer Degree
Date


Northwestern State University
Abstract
THE DEARLY DEPARTING-TEACHER ATTRITION IN THE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM-FIELD STUDY IN THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM
by Angela Griffis
Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Dr. Frank Fuller
Department of [Name]
School administrators are being called to "stand and deliver" quality instruction in public schools across the United States today. Amid the call for increased accountability for teachers and students, there stands a problem facing the system; finding quality educators who are certified to teach and meet standards set forth by the states. High rates of teacher attrition are contributing to the many empty or overcrowded classrooms across the nation. Many states are offering incentives to lure new or experienced teachers in to the profession. Sign-on bonuses, added pay for specialty areas such as special education, and other forms of merit pay are being offered at job fairs and colleges, in hopes of attracting educators. The reality facing the system today is that of a rising rate of teacher attrition. With great strides in technology, more and more college bound and college educated youth are exploring careers other than those found in education. A generation of experienced educators is reaching retirement age and few stand in waiting to take their place inside the classrooms of America. The "No Child Left Behind Act" has drawn media attention, government officials, and the general public to the crisis that lies ahead. The staggering numbers are in and are leading to a two million plus deficit of teachers in the future. Steps are being made, but the increasing damage to the educational system will take many years and much work to repair.