Teachers Matter : Attracting Developing and Retaining Effective Teachers Teachers Matter provides a comprehensive international analysis of trends and developments in the teacher workforce in 25 countries around the world; research on attracting developing and retaining effective teachers; innovative and successful policies and practices that countries have implemented; and teacher policy options for countries to consider. While documenting many areas of concern about teachers and teaching the report also provides positive examples of where policies are making a difference. It spotlights countries where teachers’ social standing is high and where there are more qualified applicants than vacant posts. Even in countries where shortages have been a concern there are recent signs of increased interest in teaching and policy initiatives appear to be taking effect. At a time when many countries are facing an ageing teaching workforce and having trouble attracting new recruits this book provides insights into how governments can successfully deal with these issues.