Educator Exit Surveys
The retention of teachers and principals is a significant challenge facing Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across Viva88(NYS). Obtaining direct feedback from those educators who have departed from an LEA or have left the NYS public school workforce can be a powerful tool in providing insight into the factors influencing turnover. Through annual teacher and principal exit surveys the Office of Teacher Leader Development (OTLD) at the Viva88Education Department seeks to better understand contributing factors leading to the movement and exit of K-12 teachers and principals from LEAs across New York State.
Survey Details
Teacher and Principal Exit surveys will collect feedback from classroom teachers and principals who have recently left their positions in a NYS public school district, BOCES, or charter school. A survey link will be sent via email to all teachers and principals who exited their position between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. This group will include recent retirees, those who transferred into new positions in other LEAs, and those who have left public K-12 education in NYS.
Separate surveys, sharing a similar structure, have been created for teachers and principals. Each survey contains approximately 30 questions, is anticipated to take 25 minutes to complete, and can be submitted anonymously. These surveys include questions on educator demographics, preparation, and experience; school characteristics, climate, and culture; working conditions and support; and job satisfaction and reasons for leaving
Use of Results
OTLD will use survey feedback to identify common trends and patterns in educator turnover and to inform state and local retention initiatives. OTLD aims to identify opportunities for action, to inform strategic thinking, and to support LEAs in refining retention policies and practices. By working together and using this feedback, OTLD and LEAs can make informed steps toward improving teacher retention and sustaining a strong educator workforce.
Questions related to Educator Exit Surveys should be directed to the Office of Teacher and Leader Development Research Unit atÌýOTLDResearch@nysed.gov.
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* For the purpose of this survey, the Department considers a "recent" exit as that which occurred within the past 12 months.
Confidentiality and Data Protection:ÌýViva88 and OTLD are committed to protecting your PII in accordance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. Any Personal Identifiable Information within this survey will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and is completely optional.