Teacher quality is the most important school-based variable associated with student success. Therefore, creating more favorable conditions to recruit well-qualified candidates and retain highly effective educators should prepare more students for post-secondary opportunities.
High teacher and school-leader turnover rates negatively affect student success. Addressing early-career exit through tailored recruitment and retention programs is one way to create more continuity and stability within the teacher workforce.
In 2025, the Professional Standards Commission (PSC), state agencies, and educational associations developed a statewide strategic plan to support teacher recruitment and retention. The EdQuest Coalition will support the development and execution of the plan by collecting feedback from the field on what practitioners need.
Deliver early-career experiences that prepare educators for excellence
The PSC Plan requests that the legislature fund the expansion of the state teacher apprenticeship program and create a stipend for candidates completing their student teaching or clinical residency requirement.
Leverage current professional growth strategies to help educators execute quality practices
Districts should implement induction and mentorship strategies modeled on Georgia Department of Education guidance.
Create formal teacher leadership roles to support instructional excellence
The PSC Plan also endorses the revision of tiered certification rules, which could streamline entry of professionals into teacher and school leadership roles.
Development of educator pipeline models that increase candidate diversity, address barriers to entry, and are attentive to shortages in hard-to-staff subjects.
Supporting high-quality, school-based experiences for prospective teachers, such as teacher cadet initiatives, educator apprenticeships, and clinical residencies.
Creation of a statewide early learning workforce strategy focused on improving working conditions, strengthening professional preparation, and achieving compensation parity relative to similar professions.