Teacher Loss Rates: 2007

Publication Details

This report (Teacher supply key statistics report-May teacher loss rates 2006/2007 and reasons for losses 2005/2006) details trends in teacher numbers, teacher loss rates, and the reasons for the losses. This analysis assists in identifying areas of concern in teacher supply. The data gives an indication of the stability and morale of the teacher workforce and the state of the labour market.

Author(s): Ralf Engler, Data Management & Analysis Division, Ministry of Education

Date Published: June 2007

Purpose

The report begins with the key findings and some background information on teacher losses and loss rates. The topics covered include: trends in teacher numbers with a focus on the age profile of the teaching workforce; trends in teacher losses by age, region, designation and school decile; and a summary of the reasons for teacher losses by age and designation.

This report is part of a series of regular updates on trends in teacher numbers and losses produced by the Demographic & Statistical Analysis Unit.

Key Findings

Teacher Numbers

The number of primary and secondary teachers in NZ State and State Integrated schools has increased between 2006 and 2007, although the increase was not as great as that seen in 2005 to 2006.
The average age of teachers overall is 44.5 years, slightly up on the long term average of 44 years.
Generally, the percentage of teachers aged 40 to 54 has decreased in the past five years, while the percentage aged 30 to 39 and aged over 55 has increased.

Teacher Losses

Current primary and secondary teacher loss rates are slightly up but on a par with previous years.
Regionally, Taranaki and the West Coast have the highest loss rates of primary teachers. T he West Coast region had by far the highest loss rates of secondary teachers.
Primary teachers in low decile schools tend to have lower loss rates than those in medium and high decile schools. In secondary schools the loss rates are similar across all deciles.

Reasons for Losses

The most common reason primary teachers left the profession was to go on leave without pay, with overseas work or travel the second most common reason. For secondary teachers these two reasons are about equally common. Retirement is the fourth most common reason for both sectors.
In both primary and secondary schools younger age groups are more likely to teach, work, or travel overseas, and less likely to leave to another occupation or leave due to personal or health reasons. In both sectors retirement is the most common reason for leaving in teachers aged 55 and older.