This study explored how many teachers were leaving public school districts in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin during their first 5 years in teaching. Researchers analyzed four types of novice teachers, including those who: taught continuously in the same district all 5 years, transferred to another district within the state but remained in the state all 5 years, left public school teaching in a state and did not return to teaching, and left public school teaching in a state but returned. Statements were gathered from 5-year veterans regarding their reasons for staying with teaching. Over the 5 years, the cumulative loss of beginning teachers from the district that hired them was just over 50 percent (half of whom left teaching altogether). Minority teachers and teachers who entered the profession at age 30 or younger departed at significantly higher rates. While minority teachers were less likely to leave teaching altogether, they were much more likely to transfer among school districts. There was no significant difference in turnover by gender. Teachers with graduate degrees had lower turnover rates. Urban teachers were significantly more likely to move out of their district (though not to leave teaching). Mathematics and science teachers were much more likely to leave teaching and less likely to transfer among districts. (Contains 30 references.) (SM)