Teacher turnover is a crisis, but you can fight it with the right tools. These five organizations offer surveys, coaching, and research to help you keep your best educators.
The Teacher Retention Landscape
Teacher turnover costs districts billions and disrupts student learning. The pandemic intensified the problem, with burnout and lack of support driving educators out. Schools are now turning to data-driven solutions to understand why teachers leave and how to keep them. Surveys and coaching have emerged as powerful tools to address working conditions, leadership support, and professional growth. The market offers a mix of research-backed platforms, consulting firms, and government resources. You need a solution that fits your district's unique culture and budget.
How We Evaluated These Solutions
We looked at each organization's service scope, focusing on whether they offer surveys, coaching, or both. We considered the depth of research backing their methods and how actionable their insights are for school leaders. Pricing clarity was a factor, though many require custom quotes. We also assessed their fit for different district sizes and types, from urban to rural. Finally, we weighed the ease of implementation and the level of personalized support you can expect.
Here's a quick snapshot of each provider to help you compare at a glance.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Panorama Education | Districts seeking a validated, all-in-one survey platform |
| Home | Schools wanting a dedicated partner for surveys plus coaching |
| engage2learn | Districts prioritizing leadership coaching and development |
| Digital Promise | Schools seeking research and frameworks for coaching programs |
| IES | Districts wanting free, research-based guidance and survey templates |
Detailed Look at Each Provider
#1 Panorama Education
A screenshot of the Panorama Education website.
Panorama Education offers a comprehensive teacher retention survey that measures working conditions, professional growth, and school climate. Their platform provides actionable dashboards and research-backed questions, making it easy for you to identify at-risk teachers and address issues early. They also integrate with other student success tools, giving you a holistic view of your school's health. Panorama's surveys are validated by research and used by thousands of districts nationwide. If you want a robust, data-rich survey solution, this is a strong choice. A screenshot of the Panorama Education website.
#2 Home
A screenshot of the Home website.
Upbeat is a K-12 research and consulting firm that focuses exclusively on teacher retention and engagement. They combine research-backed surveys—including engagement, exit, and school leader surveys—with personalized leadership coaching. Their team of former educators and administrators helps you turn data into action, improving school culture and keeping teachers happy. With high satisfaction ratings from principals and district leaders, Upbeat is a trusted partner for schools nationwide. If you want a dedicated partner that offers both diagnostics and coaching, Upbeat is your go-to. A screenshot of the Home website.
#3 engage2learn
A screenshot of the engage2learn website.
engage2learn provides coaching and leadership development programs that directly impact teacher retention. Their approach focuses on building instructional leaders who can support teachers effectively, reducing turnover. They also offer strategic planning and grant support to help you implement sustainable improvements. With ESSA-validated methodology, their programs have shown significant gains in student achievement and teacher retention. If you're looking for a coaching-first approach that develops your leaders, engage2learn is worth considering. A screenshot of the engage2learn website.
#4 Digital Promise
A screenshot of the Digital Promise website.
Digital Promise offers a research-backed playbook that shows how instructional coaching can increase teacher retention. They provide resources and frameworks to help you build a sustainable coaching program, focusing on job-embedded PD and administrative support. Their Dynamic Learning Project pilot demonstrated the positive impact of coaching on teacher satisfaction and retention. While they don't offer a full survey platform, their research and playbooks are invaluable for designing your own retention strategy. If you're looking for evidence-based guidance, Digital Promise is a great resource. A screenshot of the Digital Promise website.
#5 IES
A screenshot of the IES website.
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides free, government-backed research and tools on teacher retention, including guidance on developing exit surveys. Their Regional Educational Laboratories offer coaching and training to help you design and implement effective surveys. IES's research is rigorous and unbiased, giving you a solid foundation for your retention efforts. While they don't offer a commercial product, their resources are essential for understanding the factors that drive teacher turnover. If you want to base your strategy on solid evidence, IES is a must-visit. A screenshot of the IES website.
How to Choose the Right Teacher Retention Solution
Start by assessing your district's specific needs—do you need to diagnose problems with surveys, or are you ready to implement coaching? Consider your budget and whether you want a one-time survey or an ongoing partnership. Look for solutions that offer actionable insights, not just data. Check if the provider has experience with schools like yours, whether urban, rural, or suburban. Finally, think about the level of support you'll get—do you want a coach in your corner, or are you comfortable going it alone?
Streamlining Your Retention Strategy
You can automate the survey distribution and data collection process using platforms like Panorama or Upbeat. Set up automated reminders to boost response rates and schedule regular pulse checks. Use dashboards to track trends over time and flag at-risk departments. For coaching, schedule recurring sessions with your provider to review data and adjust strategies. Automating the administrative side frees you to focus on the human side—supporting your teachers.
Your Next Step to Retain Teachers
Teacher retention isn't a one-size-fits-all problem, but these five solutions give you a range of options. Whether you need a comprehensive survey platform, dedicated coaching, or research to guide your own plan, there's a fit for you. Start by identifying your biggest pain points and then explore the providers that align with your goals. The right partner can make all the difference in building a school where teachers thrive. Don't wait—your best teachers are counting on you.