MADISON — Wisconsin’s ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality educators depends on retaining more teachers and keeping newly trained graduates in the state, according to new data in a report released today by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
The latest Educator Preparation Program and Workforce Analysis Report highlights both encouraging progress and ongoing challenges, reinforcing the DPI’s focus on educator recruitment and retention as part of its strategic plan.
“The time to act has already passed,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “What remains is whether we are willing to meet this moment with the urgency it demands. Strengthening educator recruitment and retention is essential to ensuring every Wisconsin student has access to high-quality educators.”
Using 2023-24 data, the report shows that while Wisconsin continues to prepare thousands of new teachers each year, too many are not entering or staying in the state’s classrooms. Of the 5,256 individuals who completed educator preparation programs, just 3,568 entered Wisconsin schools, meaning the state lost 1,688 potential educators – or roughly 30 percent.
The report also points to modest improvements in overall teacher retention, but keeping educators in the profession remains a significant challenge. By their eighth year, just 52.6 percent of teachers remain in Wisconsin public school classrooms. Retention is even lower among special education teachers, with only 43.2 percent remaining by their eighth year.
To address this issue, the DPI launched the Special Educator Induction Program in 2023, which supports first- and second-year special education teachers and aims to improve long-term retention. The program has supported about 750 early-career educators, with 95 percent reporting they are likely to remain in their positions in the field.
“The Special Educator Induction Program is making a meaningful difference in strengthening the special educator workforce,” Dr. Underly said. “This kind of support is helping early-career teachers build confidence, form a network of peers, and feel more connected to their schools.”
Compensation continues to play a major role in educator retention. After adjusting for inflation, total compensation for mid-career educators (those entering their 15th year) is 22 percent lower than it was in 2010.
“Districts cannot solve this challenge on their own,” Dr. Underly said. “With no new general aid in the most recent state budget and rising costs, schools are being asked to do more with less. Without meaningful, sustainable state investment, districts are forced into an impossible situation, balancing tight budgets while trying to retain the educators students depend on.
“If we’re serious about addressing the teacher shortage, it’s past time we compensate educators similar to their professional counterparts.”
For more information and to view the full report, visit the DPI’s website.
