Wisconsin is producing more teachers, but retention remains a problem

Wisconsin is producing more teachers than are retiring from the profession, and enrollment rates in educator preparation programs are trending upward, according to the latest workforce report from the state Department of Public Instruction.

In 2022-23, there were 2,187 retirements. At the same time, Wisconsin produced 3,334 educator preparation program completers. 

Still, retaining teachers once they are in the classroom remains a challenge. 

Just over half of licensed teachers — 55.6 percent — remain in the profession after seven years. The percentage is even less, 46 percent, for special education teachers. 

“We continue to face an urgent crisis in Wisconsin’s education system,” State Superintendent Jill Underly said at Underwood Elementary School in Wauwatosa on Monday. “We’re losing our best and our brightest educators in an alarming rate in the state. It’s a crisis for our students, our families, our schools and our communities, and we must do something now.”

Wisconsin is trying to strengthen the education pipeline with a teacher apprenticeship program. 

Teacher apprenticeships have gotten bipartisan support both nationally and across the state. A bill championed by Republicans in the state Legislature was vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers last year.

In his veto message, Evers wrote that he objected to the bill because it interfered with a pilot program already underway.

A teacher apprenticeship pilot program was later launched using a $10.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. 

The pilot includes a handful of school districts, technical colleges and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

Teacher apprentices cut their time in the college in half, instead spending more time in the classroom with students, learning to become teachers and getting paid. 

The program would be expanded under Evers’ budget proposal, which includes $3.7 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and $1.7 million in fiscal year 2026-27 for Wisconsin Fast Forward grants in the areas of teacher apprenticeships, health care, green jobs and technical education.

“These investments are a lifeline that can help keep Wisconsin teachers in the classroom doing the work that they are called to do,” Underly said. “This hands-on approach allows aspiring educators to earn their teacher license while gaining practical experience. It’s a forward-thinking solution that addresses the challenges we face, while ensuring that future educators are equipped with the skills that they need to succeed in the classroom.” 

Alexis Fax, 29, is a single mother who has worked in childcare for the last decade. 

Now, as a teacher apprentice, she’s on her way to being a full-time elementary school teacher. Fax also gets to spend her days at the same school as her 8-year-old daughter.  

At night, when her daughter is in bed, Fax takes college classes online. 

“This is pushing me farther and really solidifying a future education,” Fax said. “It’s nice to have the district and the state have our backs. And when the program ends, my daughter will be starting middle school and I’ll be starting my career as a teacher.” 

The largest shortage area for licensure is now in regular education in elementary and middle school, according to the DPI report. 

Cities and charter schools are experiencing the highest shortages.

The DPI workforce report also shows a significant gap in workforce diversity. Only 6 percent of teachers are educators of color — despite research showing that students of color benefit greatly from having teachers who share their racial background.