State Senator Sarah Keyeski talks “education” on the Morning Show

Wisconsin’s ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality educators depends on retaining more teachers and keeping newly trained graduates in the state, according to new data in a report released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Using 2023-24 data, the report shows that while Wisconsin continues to prepare thousands of new teachers each year, too many are not entering or staying in the state’s classrooms. Of the 5,256 individuals who completed educator preparation programs, just 3,568 entered Wisconsin schools, meaning the state lost 1,688 potential educators, or roughly 30 percent. The report also points to modest improvements in overall teacher retention, but keeping educators in the profession remains a significant challenge. By their eighth year, just 52.6 percent of teachers remain in Wisconsin public school classrooms.

State Senator Sarah Keyeski was on WRCO’s Morning Show with Phil Nee yesterday (Tuesday) and compared the changes in the teaching profession.

Retention is even lower among special education teachers, with only 43.2 percent remaining by their eighth year. To address this issue, the DPI launched the Special Educator Induction Program in 2023, which supports first- and second-year special education teachers and aims to improve long-term retention. The program has supported about 750 early-career educators, with 95 percent reporting they are likely to remain in their positions in the field.

Compensation also continues to play a major role in educator retention. After adjusting for inflation, total compensation for mid-career educators, which are those entering their 15th year, is 22 percent lower than it was in 2010. Keyeski feels investment in education is important.

For more information and to view the full DPI report on teacher retention, visit the DPI’s website.