How Parenthood, Paid Leave, and Childcare Access Shape Teachers' Career Trajectories
One-third of teachers who exit teaching cite "personal reasons" — including family responsibilities — as an important factor in their decision. Yet we know remarkably little about how district-level policies around paid parental leave, childcare access, and family benefits shape whether teachers stay in the classroom after becoming parents.
This study will explore how different kinds of family friendly benefits and support structures vary from district to district, and how access to those benefits shapes teachers' career trajectories.
Funding provided by the Spencer Foundation.
An interactive database of district benefits offered to teachers and other employees, including health care, parental leave, sick days, and other resources for balancing work and family.
This project uses state data to model the effect of having a child on teachers' career outcomes: retention, absence, promotion, and performance.