Why Teacher Retention Rates Matter and How Teachers of Tomorrow and SimpleK12 Lead the Way

While much of the national conversation around education focuses on recruiting new teachers, there is an equally critical factor that often gets less attention: retaining them. Teacher turnover does not just create staffing gaps; it disrupts student learning, increases costs for districts, and can erode community trust in local schools.

According to the Learning Policy Institute, replacing a single teacher can cost districts between $9,000 and $21,000, depending onfactors like recruitment, hiring, and training¹. High turnover also has a measurable impact on student achievement, especially in high-need schools.

This is why retention rates, both short- and long-term, are such an important measure of a teacher preparation program’s effectiveness. It is not enough to certify teachers; programs must prepare and support them in ways that make them want to stay.

The Teachers of Tomorrow Difference

Teachers of Tomorrow (ToT), under the leadership of Dr. Heath Morrison and new ownership by The Rise Fund, has made retention a top priority by backing itsefforts with both data and strategic support systems.

Texas Education Agency (TEA) data shows that among the top three educator preparation programs in Texas, ToT graduates have the highest1-year, 3-year, and 5-year retention rates². These are not minor differences; they indicate that ToT-trained educators are consistently more likely to remain in the profession, even beyond the critical early years when many new teachers leave.

And ToT doesn’t stop at certification. Through its partnership with SimpleK12, ToT ensures that teachers continue receiving professional development and community support well beyond their first years in the classroom, which is a crucial factor in long-term retention.

How ToT Improves Retention

Several factors contribute to these strong retention outcomes:

1. Robust Mentorship & Field Supervision – Every ToT intern is paired with a dedicated field supervisor, a seasoned educator who provides ongoing coaching, classroom observations, and actionable feedback throughout the internship year.
2. High-Access Support Systems – Extended weekday phone support until 7 p.m., weekly live office hours, 24/7 AI chat, and after-hours AI agent voice support     mean candidates never have to “go it alone” when challenges arise.
3. Comprehensive Test Preparation – By providing three different exam prep options, ToT helps ensure candidates pass certification exams on schedule, reducing the delays, frustrations, and financial strain that can push new teachers out of the field.
4. District Collaboration – ToT’s district support services and portal help administrators track candidate progress and provide timely interventions when teachers need additional support.
5. Ongoing Professional Development with SimpleK12 – SimpleK12 provides on-demand training, interactive live webinars, and a thriving educator community,     giving teachers access to thousands of short, practical PD courses. This continuous learning helps educators adapt to changing classroom needs, stay confident in their practice, and remain motivated year after year.

Retention Benefits Everyone

Higher retention rates benefit students, who experience fewer disruptions in their learning; districts, which save on recruitment and onboarding costs; and teachers, who receive the consistent mentorship and resources they need to build fulfilling careers.

As Dr. Morrison explains, “The best teacher recruitment strategy is strong teacher retention. If we can help our educators feel supported and successful, they will stay, and that stability changes everything for students.”

A Complete Pathway for Teacher Success

With over 85,000 graduates working in more than 3,100 school districts nationwide, Teachers of Tomorrow has demonstrated that alternative certification programs can achieve industry-leading retention rates when they prioritize mentorship, accessibility, and continuous improvement³.

By pairing ToT’s preparation and early-career support with SimpleK12’s continuing education for teachers, districts gain a complete teacher success pipeline, from certification and classroom readiness to continuous growth and career advancement.

In a time when teacher shortages remain one of education’s most pressing challenges, this combined approach does not just fill classrooms; it keeps great teachers therefor the long term.

Learn more about Teachers of Tomorrow here.

[1] Learning Policy Institute. The Cost of Teacher Turnover.

[2] Based on top 3 EPPs by volume of new hires in 2024/2025.

[3] Data on file

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