State report shows teacher turnover slightly rises this school year

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) - New data shows slightly more teachers are leaving North Carolina public schools, while most principals are staying in their jobs this school year.

Today, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction presented the information to the State Board of Education.

The report found 9,328 teachers left their jobs during the 2024–2025 school year, which is 221 more teachers than the year before.

Officials say newer teachers and those with 30 or more years of experience are the most likely to leave.

Data also shows that most principals stayed, with about 6% of principals leaving their jobs and 59% of those retiring.

The North Carolina Association of Educators said it was disappointed with the report, adding that the state was recently ranked second-to-last in the country for teacher pay.

“Our public schools cannot be the best in the nation if our teachers are not adequately compensated, trained, and revered,” said North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green. “It will take action from the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and our schools to strengthen the education profession.”