IMPROVING TEACHER RETENTION IN THE GRANVILLE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Brian V. Mathis (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Teacher attrition continues to be a problem in many communities throughout North Carolina and the United States. Research indicates salary , student discipline , and administrative support as leading causes of teacher turnover. This study is exclusive to the Granville County Public School District , located in north central , North Carolina. The Granville district has experienced two consecutive years of teacher turnover eclipsing 20% , causing much concern with school administration and within the community. This improvement study was conducted following a small-scale proof-of-concept , concentrated at a middle school within the district. Attempting to improve ill-structured problems such as teacher retention within a specific Local Educational Administration , forces one to investigate cause and effect , be it problem or solution. Supporting this investigation was Deming's approach of (a) systems , (b) variation , (c) knowledge , and (d) psychology , coupled with the methodology of Improvement Science. This study revealed the importance of principal leadership at the school level relative to teacher attrition , by evaluation of specific strategies enacted at a selected middle school to improve perceptions of teacher appreciation , student behavior , and communication. A sequential process to improve teacher retention was also created to help school administrators identify specific problems in their respective institutions , formulate and initiate strategies for improvement , as well as determine effectiveness , with the end goal of improving teacher retention at the school campus and within the district.

Additional Information

Publication

Dissertation

Language: English

Date: 2017

Keywords

authentic, retention, attrition, rural

Subjects

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