National Estimates of Retention, Migration, and Attrition

Abstract

This study was designed to estimate the magnitude of retention, migration, and attrition of music teachers; the transfer destinations of those who migrated; the career path status of those who left; and the likelihood that former music teachers would return to teaching. Data, which were analyzed for music ( n = 881) and non-music teachers ( n = 17,376), came from the 1988—1989, 1991—1992, 1993—1994, and 2000—2001 administrations of the National Center for Education Statistics's Teacher Follow-up Survey, a national survey designed to compile comprehensive data concerning changes in the teacher labor force. Results indicated that between 1988 and 2001, 84% of music teachers were retained by schools, 10% migrated to different schools, and 6% left the profession every year, in rates similar to non-music teachers. Transferring music teachers migrated primarily to different school districts in the same state. One year after leaving the profession, former teachers were attending college (28%), retired (23%), out of teaching (21%), in education but not as a teacher (14%), or working as a homemaker (12%). Approximately one third of former music teachers planned to return to teaching within 5 years, and an additional quarter planned to return after 5 or more years.