Are you or your colleagues considering leaving teaching? The SATWI Advocacy Report highlights stress as a key driver of teacher turnover, threatening school stability (Engelbrecht-Aldworth, 2025). Collaborative strategies can keep teachers in the classroom, strengthening your school’s ecosystem. Let us explore five ways to reduce attrition through teamwork.

Teacher attrition is a critical issue, with a 2024 South African Journal of Education study reporting a 45% turnover risk in urban schools due to stress and isolation (Fourie & Moolman, 2024). The SATWI Advocacy Report recommends collaborative approaches to boost retention (Engelbrecht-Aldworth, 2025). The SACE Code of Professional Ethics supports collaborative cultures, promoting respect (South African Council for Educators, n.d.). A 2023 Journal of Educational Administration study found that support networks reduce turnover by 20% globally (Bush & Ng, 2023). Well-being audits, a mandatory process to identify well-being challenges, can be a powerful tool. For guidance on implementing them, see the free resources available: Whole School Well-being Policy Creation Manual and checklist. A 2025 The Citizen article notes that mentoring programmes in South African schools increase retention by 10% (The Citizen, 2025). By collaborating, you address stressors like isolation, fostering resilience.

This is crucial because attrition disrupts schools, with a 2024 Perspectives in Education study linking it to a 30% drop in learner engagement (Breedt et al., 2024). Imagine a teacher contemplating resignation, overwhelmed by isolation and workload demands. This lived experience highlights the need for collaboration, ensuring teachers stay and thrive, as supported by global retention strategies (Gonzalez, 2023).

To reduce attrition, try these five strategies. First, share administrative tasks with colleagues to reduce stress (Bush & Ng, 2023). Second, create a support group for regular check-ins. Third, advocate for well-being audits, per the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993. Fourth, honour long-serving teachers with recognition events. Finally, mentor new teachers to ease their transition, as recommended by the SATWI report (Engelbrecht-Aldworth, 2025).

This week, try one strategy, like task-sharing. Reflect on its effect and discuss with your team to build support.

Collaboration empowers you to stay and thrive in teaching, strengthening your school’s ecosystem. Take one step today—you are building a sustainable future.

References

Breedt, I., Beckmann, J., & Du Plessis, A. (2024). Teacher turnover and learner engagement. Perspectives in Education, 42(1), 180–195. https://doi.org/10.18820/2519593X/pie.v42i1.11 

Bush, T., & Ng, A. (2023). Support networks and teacher retention. Journal of Educational Administration, 61(4), 345–360. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-03-2023-0045 

Engelbrecht-Aldworth, E. (2025). Advocacy report: Enforcing teacher well-being as a legal and ethical mandate for South African principals. South African Teacher Well-Being Initiative.

Fourie, M., & Moolman, R. (2024). Teacher turnover in urban South African schools. South African Journal of Education, 44(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v44n4a2301 

Gonzalez, J. (2023). Strategies to keep teachers in the classroom. Edutopia Blog. https://www.edutopia.org 

South Africa, Department of Employment and Labour. (1993). Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993. Government Printer.

South African Council for Educators. (n.d.). Code of Professional Ethics. https://www.sace.org.za 

The Citizen. (2025, June 29). Mentoring boosts teacher retention. The Citizen Newspaper. https://www.citizen.co.za