Arizona is facing a severe teacher retention crisis, with 14% of teachers leaving their jobs every year, double the national average of 7%. This has led to a shortage of qualified educators in the state, particularly in Southern Arizona.

Causes of the Crisis

According to Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association, the main reasons for this crisis are low pay and lack of support for teachers. Arizona ranks 48th in elementary and secondary teacher pay, with an average salary of $56,000 in 2025, compared to the national average of $62,000-$64,000.

Another factor contributing to the crisis is teacher burnout, with over 44% of teachers reporting feeling burned out. This has led to a reliance on temporary solutions such as long-term substitutes and under-certified teachers, which can be detrimental to students who need stability and consistency in their education.

Local Solutions

Despite these challenges, some schools in Southern Arizona are finding innovative solutions to retain teachers. For example, the Arizona Teacher Residency Program is providing master’s degrees to teachers while they work in the classroom. Additionally, some schools are offering professional development opportunities and supplementing teacher salaries with second jobs.

In the Marana Unified School District, two generations of teachers are heading into the classroom for the first time this fall, earning master’s degrees through the Arizona Teacher Residency Program. At Desert View High School in the Sunnyside Unified School District, a chemistry teacher found a creative solution to equip his classroom with a dishwasher, signaling hope for a dual-enrollment program.

These local solutions offer a glimmer of hope in addressing the teacher retention crisis in Arizona. By providing support and resources to teachers, schools can help reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes for students.

Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.