Rewriting the Retention Playbook
Shifts to Build A Sustainable Educator Workforce
The United States is facing a nationwide educator workforce crisis that reaches far beyond the classroom. In fall 2024, half of school leaders reported being understaffed—especially in special education, custodial services, classroom aides, and mental health support (NCES, 2024). High attrition, a weakened educator pipeline, and unfilled positions continue to strain schools. Nearly one in eight teaching roles were vacant or filled by uncertified teachers in 2022–23 (Tan et al., 2024), and turnover remains above pre-pandemic levels, with 7% of teachers and 8% of principals leaving their positions in 2023–24 (Diliberti & Schwartz, 2025).
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To address these challenges, education leaders are strengthening pipelines, reimagining recruitment, and prioritizing retention. The National Educator
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Shortage Summit was created to unite PK–20 stakeholders in finding solutions. Now in its fourth year, the 2025 summit focused on actionable strategies to improve retention and career sustainability.
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This publication builds on insights from all four summits, highlighting five key shifts in mindset and practice—plus a bonus shift emphasizing coordinated, long-term workforce planning. Rooted in real-world practices, these strategies showcase how districts, preparation programs, and agencies are driving sustainable change in the educator workforce.
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Use these shifts to spark conversations, guide strategic planning, and align investments. Together, we can move beyond short-term fixes and siloed initiatives to enact long-term, systemic strategies that center educator well-being and success. Through a common understanding of the issue, a unified vision, and focused action, the essential task of eliminating educator shortages is within our reach. Every step toward stronger retention brings us closer to the goal that unites us: every student, in every classroom, supported by a well-prepared educator who chooses to stay.