Teacher Quality and Teacher Mobility

Abstract

Using matched student-teacher panel data from the state of Florida, we study the determinants of teacher job change and the impact of such mobility on the distribution of teacher quality. We find that the quality of teachers who exit teaching is bimodal with peer teacher characteristics playing an important role. Teachers who rank above their faculty colleagues are more mobile. Additionally, as the share of peer teachers with more experience, advanced degrees or professional certification increase, the likelihood of moving within district decreases. We also find evidence of assortative matching among teachers.