Where are the physics teachers? Challenges and opportunities in retaining physics teachers

Abstract

It is common knowledge that recruiting and retaining teachers across all subjects is increasingly challenging, but we know that for physics it is especially so. We know that too few teachers are entering the profession, but this is compounded by the number leaving, taking away valuable expertise and affecting opportunities and outcomes for students. In physics, the situation is exacerbated but there are actions that schools can take to improve retention of their physics teachers and maybe even help in recruiting new ones.