The True Cost of International School Employee Turnover – and Why Strong Employee Benefits Matters More Than Ever
Faculty and staff turnover is one of the most expensive and disruptive challenges facing international schools today. It affects far more than just budgets – it touches continuity, culture, and the student experience.
In the October 2025 issue of The Fix Newsletter, international school retention consultant Christina Kottmann explores the true cost of teacher turnover and the ripple effects it creates when educators move on. Her analysis underscores a reality that every school leader knows too well: the cost of losing great teachers is measured not only in dollars, but in disruption.
The Price Tag of Losing Talent
Replacing a single teacher can cost 25–35% of their annual salary, according to Kottmann’s article. For international schools, where relocation, visa sponsorship, and recruitment costs are added to the mix, that figure can rise dramatically. Beyond the financial burden lies a less visible cost – the strain on staff morale, student outcomes, and community cohesion.
When budgets are tight and competition for quality educators is fierce, one truth stands out clearly: retention is always cheaper than replacement. As Kottman says, “consider a school that loses 20 teachers a year. The thousands spent on turnover are funds that could be directed to improving technology, campus facilities, or expanding student programs.”
What Schools Often Overlook: Wellbeing and Benefits
Many schools focus their retention strategies on professional development or pay scales – both important – but often underestimate the impact of wellbeing and employee benefits, particularly health insurance. Teachers rarely leave because of a single factor; they leave when they feel unsupported, unseen, or insecure about their future.
Across numerous studies and surveys – including reports by ISC Research and COBIS – wellbeing support consistently ranks among one of the top factors influencing whether teachers choose to stay or go. When educators feel cared for, protected, and valued, they are more likely to remain committed to their school community.
As Kottman notes, “teachers don’t leave schools – they leave places where they no longer feel cared for.”
Why Health Insurance Isn’t Just a Benefit – It’s a Retention Strategy
Health insurance is often treated as an operational necessity, but in reality, it’s one of the most powerful tools schools have to strengthen faculty retention and morale.
Security and Stability Abroad For teachers working far from home, comprehensive international coverage offers peace of mind. Knowing they’ll have access to quality care – wherever they are – allows them to focus on teaching, not worry about medical bills.
Mental Health and Resilience Access to counseling, telehealth, and mental health services fosters a supportive environment and helps prevent burnout – a growing cause of turnover in international schools.
Confidence in the Employer Relationship Every claim processed smoothly, every clear communication from HR, every wellness initiative builds trust. Teachers who trust their employer’s care for their wellbeing stay longer.
Financial Sustainability for Schools Well-designed plans balance faculty wellbeing with cost containment, protecting both teachers and school budgets from the impact of rising medical inflation.
Building Retention Into Your Risk Strategy
At One World Cover, we help international schools build retention-focused health insurance programs that align with their mission and culture. Our proven blueprint and data-driven approach enables schools to:
- Control long-term cost trends while maintaining world-class benefits
- Integrate physical and mental health support into the plan design
- Strengthen staff loyalty through transparent, easy-to-use coverage
Because when teachers feel secure and supported – physically, mentally, and financially – they are more likely to stay, thrive, and contribute to the long-term success of the school.
To learn more please get in touch: [email protected] or click here to contact us.
