The current TRS Tier III program is horrible, and certainly adds to the problem. When I started teaching in Alaska there was a mix of experienced lower 48 teachers, and new graduates starting in the district, now there are mainly new graduates who are here for an adventure but don't have the time for it. The districts have decided teachers are expendable and work them to death under the term of professional responsibility. Minimal prep time during the instructional day to plan, grade papers, contact parents etc, all necessary parts of the job now expected to be done in the evening and weekends. Having the opportunity to enjoy the different culture many have chosen to live in, interact in the community, explore the outdoors all add to retaining teachers in rural Alaska, unfortunately too many administrators don't see the value of it and instead are looking to extract as much labor out of teachers in 2 to 3 years and then have them move on. It gives them an excuse for poor results.