Holding on to Gen Y

Young teacher applicants to the Teach Plus Policy Fellows Program indicate that contrary to the opinions of those who believe they are in teaching only for the short term, they actually want to find a way to continue teaching. Their description of the profession they seek--one that makes a difference, challenges them, engages them as leaders, and promotes social justice--provides clear indications about how school leaders can engage this generation of teachers more intentionally and keep them in the field. However, administrators need to look at some damaging assumptions--about why people teach, where they will teach, and how long they will teach--because they exacerbate high attrition and undermine our potential to improve the retention and distribution of strong teachers in urban areas.