HI HR177

Hawaii House Resolution urges the Department of Education to initiate efforts addressing teacher retention, as approximately 50% of teachers leave within their first five years and roughly 1,300 educators depart annually.

Nearly 50% of newly hired teachers during the 2024-2025 school year entered classrooms without full licensure, highlighting significant workforce shortages.

Entry-level teacher salaries start slightly above $50,000 annually for bachelor's degree holders, while emergency hires may earn around $38,500, contributing to housing affordability challenges given Hawaii's high cost of living.

The resolution calls for research and data collection on attrition factors including compensation, housing challenges, and regional workforce needs to inform policy solutions.

An advisory board is recommended with membership including public school educators from all grade levels, students from each county, and community members with education experience to develop retention strategies.