Attrition/Retention of Special Education Teachers: Critique of Current Research and Recommendations for Retention Efforts

Teacher attrition will be the foremost issue confronting professionals in special education during the next decade. Several studies indicate that special educators are at greater risk to leave teaching than general educators. Combined with existing teacher shortages, special education teacher attrition raises serious questions about public education's ability to provide high-quality services to students wiab disabilities. Although researchers have identified some variables associated with the attrition of special education teachers, the findings are not comprehensive and are mostly inconsistent. Research-based models for improving the retention of special education teachers do not exist. A comprehensive research effort aimed at identifying the variables that influence the attrition of special education teachers is needed. Guidelines for such a research agenda are recommended.