ERIC Number: ED661218
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 173
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3842-1550-9
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Factors Affecting Teacher Retention in a Selected South Carolina School District: Perspectives of Administrators and Teachers
Alvilda B. Graham
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Clemson University
In this qualitative descriptive case study, I explored the issue of teacher retention, a growing concern within public K-12 education systems in the United States, particularly in South Carolina. I aimed to understand the unique organizational factors within individual school districts that influence retention decisions from the perspectives of teachers and administrators at the middle school level. I focused on a selected South Carolina school district (SSD) and explored the viewpoints of teachers and administrators regarding teacher retention. To better understand their lived experiences, I conducted semi-structured interviews and surveys with middle school teachers and administrators. Using an improvement science approach, I analyzed the data obtained. My findings revealed five major organizational factors that impacted teacher retention within the SSD. The first factor I identified is a need for more support and collaboration among teachers. The second factor was the excessive teaching workloads that hindered the achievement of a healthy work-life balance. The third factor was an unsupportive school culture and climate. The fourth factor was the need for more opportunities for professional development for teachers to enhance their skills and competencies. The fifth and final factor was the need for more strategies and policies for managing student behavior, coupled with insufficient training and support for teachers in effectively managing student behavior. This study provided a foundational overview of teacher retention issues within one school district. The results can inform the development of evidence-based, district-specific strategies and policies to foster sustainable improvements in retention. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Teacher Persistence, School Districts, Administrator Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Organizational Climate, Influences, Middle School Teachers, Teaching Experience, Cooperation, Faculty Workload, Family Work Relationship, School Culture, Faculty Development, Teacher Competencies, Student Behavior, Educational Strategies
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A