Special Education Teacher Attrition: Graduate Study, Public School, Private School

Special education teacher attrition is a persistent and complex issue that has a negative impact on students with disabilities. We conducted an exploratory study about where special education teachers (SETs) plan to go or move to when they leave their schools, the answers to which may help address shortages in school districts. Specifically, as a part of a larger study, we identify factors associated with SETs' intent to stay in their positions, pursue further education, move or transfer schools, or move to private schools. Results indicated a vast majority of special educators reported intent to stay in their public-school positions, while more complex factors such as race/ethnicity, having attended alternate pathway programs, or age predicted attrition for some groups in the sample. Results for future research and practice to address special education teacher attrition are discussed.