Summary of results for the South Carolina teacher exit survey from the 2021-2022 pilot administration

Abstract

Teacher turnover has profound implications for the capacity of the state's many small school districts and their ability to serve students effectively and equitably. Based on data collected for CERRA's most recent SC Annual Educator Supply and Demand reporting update in February (Garrett, 2022), there were more than 1,100 vacant positions to be filled in the state, based on responses from 74 of the 79 districts. While knowing what the number of vacancies is offers a helpful data point, perhaps more important to addressing some specific policy and strategic needs is to gain a more nuanced understanding of why educators are making the decisions they make. SC-TEACHER's second pilot administration of the SC Teacher Exit Survey in spring 2022 yielded insights directly from teachers in the state about these whys regarding whether they stay in, move from, or leave the teaching profession.