Educational Reforms and Teacher Mobility (2015–2025):

A Systematic Mapping Review

Abstract

This systematic review of 28 empirical studies (2015–2025) maps empirical evidence on the relationship between educational reforms and teacher mobility outcomes—attrition, turnover, and retention—following PRISMA guidelines. Three reform categories were identified: accountability (individual, institutional, systemic), financial conditions (salary and retirement), and equity-oriented reforms. Punitive accountability raises attrition, while legitimate evaluation frameworks support retention. Institutional and systemic accountability often destabilize schools, heightening stress and turnover. Sustained salary increases reduce turnover, especially among mid- and late-career teachers, while retirement incentives retain scarce profiles cost-effectively, though broad changes accelerate attrition. Equity-oriented reforms improve stability when paired with credible incentives. Evidence gaps persist in global south contexts, teacher perspectives, and career-stage analysis.