Education specialist says teachers are sticking around local schools and not leaving

Mads Nelson, a 3rd Grade Teacher within the district, responds to statistics about teacher retention in Utah, Santa Clara, Utah, Oct. 20.

Mads Nelson, a 3rd Grade Teacher within the district, responds to statistics about teacher retention in Utah, Santa Clara, Utah, Oct. 20. (Nick Yamashita, St. George News)


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ST. GEORGE — An education researcher whose work has been used to aid legislators in Utah said schools in the state aren't seeing teacher turnover like the rest of the nation.

Reino Makkonen, a senior policy associate for education research firm WestEd, discussed some observations and his study project, "Principal Retention Patterns in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah," declaring principals and teachers in Utah feel valued and happy overall. Makkonen's work, like his study on principal retention, has been used to help create policies and laws within the state.

School administration retention

Makkonen complimented the leadership in prioritizing education in the state within the last couple of years.

"I credit the leadership in the state … for recognizing the importance of school leadership," he said, "and dedicating some school funds to increase retention and support these really important individuals."

Read the full article at St. George News.

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