Diverse Learner Teacher Retention in Tennessee

Diverse Learners Cooperative facilitated a study of diverse learner teacher retention across the state of Tennessee. The goal of this effort was to pinpoint factors that influence a special education or English learner educator to enter, remain, or leave the classroom role.

For more than two decades, Tennessee has struggled to staff diverse learner teachers – specifically, special education and English learner educators. Further, diverse learner teacher attrition has continued to increase over the last decade. Tennessee's lawmakers, state officials, and district professionals have put forth significant and creative efforts to stem the tide of these concerning trends, but few efforts have had a specific focus or impact on the declining retention rate of diverse learner educators. As the number of diverse learners served in Tennessee’s public schools continues to rise, it will be critical for leaders at all levels to develop targeted strategies to recruit and retain special education and ESL teachers.

Recommendations

As Tennessee continues to face high rates of diverse learner teacher attrition, it is critical that state, district, and school leaders take action to develop a sustainable, high-quality workforce to serve diverse learners. Using teacher input and themes from survey results, focus group discussions, and interview comments, we recommend implementing the following recommendations.

  • Introduce, support, and pass legislation that enhances diverse learner teacher working conditions

    Provide districts with professional development materials targeting the needs of diverse learners

  • Use TISA funds to raise step-increases for teachers in high-needs content areas

    Implement tailored professional development focused on diverse learners

  • Implement structured time for diverse learner teachers to complete legal paperwork, lesson plan, and collaborate with colleagues

    Seek out communication and feedback from diverse learners educators, valuing their voice in decisions that will affect their students

Take Action

Contact Your Representative

Contact your representative and advocate for bills that increase resources for diverse learner educators or lower the barrier to access such opportunities. This includes increasing teacher salary, retention bonuses, or time for professional development.

  • Not sure who to contact? Find your Tennessee representative here.

  • Find all education bills introduced in Tennessee during the 2023 Legislative session. Use EdTrust Tennessee’s Ten for Tennessee for more information about education policies introduced during the last legislative session.

  • Use this email template and example as a guide to writing your representative. Bring attention to your issues and policies that matter to teachers.

Gather Teacher Feedback

Invite teacher feedback into system decisions at state, district, and school levels. Create forums and surveys to collect teacher feedback on policies, new initiatives, and upcoming decisions.

  • Use this template to create effective feedback systems on your school initiatives.

Advocate for Support

Advocate within your school and district for more relevant professional development, meaningful feedback, and specialized resources.

  • Use this resource to learn about professional growth opportunities for leaders and teachers on serving diverse learners in Tennessee.

  • Use this letter template and example to advocate for meaningful professional growth opportunities.

Through our collective action, Tennessee can take steps forward in increasing diverse learner teacher retention and establishing a sustainable workforce for years to come.