Visit my Google Scholar page for the most up-to-date list of publications.
Teaching and Teacher Education, 2024, with Tran H. and Vesely R.S.
This study investigates the impact of frontloading salary structures (higher early-career salaries) on teacher turnover using data from South Carolina public school districts in the U.S. from FY2014- FY2023. Employing a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, the analysis reveals that frontloading salary schedules is associated with lower turnover among novice teachers but have a less pronounced effect on seasoned educators. The study highlights that the impact of frontloading varies by district demographics and teacher qualifications. Results indicate that higher experience premiums for early-career teachers can increase turnover when compared to mid-career premiums, suggesting a need for balanced salary structures, targeted financial incentives.
Policy Futures in Education, 2022, with Tran H. and Smith D.
Situated against teacher demand problems worldwide, rising teacher turnover and declining teacher education enrollment have rendered the state of South Carolina a region commonly described as facing a “teacher shortage crisis.” This paper evaluates the Rural Recruitment Initiative (RRI) in South Carolina, which aims to improve teacher retention in hard-to-staff districts through discretionary funding and flexible purposes. Utilizing a Difference-in-Differences model, the analysis reveals that RRI has a modest impact, reducing teacher turnover by less than 1\%. The findings suggest slightly better retention in rural fringe districts but highlight the need for continued support and possibly expanding the initiative to achieve more significant results and a longer evaluation period to better assess the policy’s overall effectiveness.