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A qualitative case study on the factors that impact teacher attrition and retention in a Head Start preschool organization in New Jersey
Dissertation   Open access

A qualitative case study on the factors that impact teacher attrition and retention in a Head Start preschool organization in New Jersey

Binita Sheth
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Mar 2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/0rvc-am03
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Abstract

Educational leadership Teachers--Rating of Teacher turnover Work environment--Evaluation
This qualitative case study in a Head Start preschool in New Jersey explored the teacher attrition rates and teacher retention rates for the specific organization. The study looked at factors that impacted a Head Start teacher's decision to stay within the first five years of his or her employment. The study also explored the factors that impacted the retaining of teachers for more than five years past their employment. Improving teacher retention and decreasing teacher attrition rates is a long term goal of the organization. A case study design framework was applied to the research while exploring the factors that impact teacher attrition and retention rates. The study aimed to answer three main research questions: The questions were: How do teachers' perceptions of administration leadership styles relate to their overall decision to stay in their position at a Head Start preschool organization in New Jersey? How do administrators describe the factors that contribute to overall teacher attrition and retention at a Head Start preschool organization in New Jersey? How do teachers feel about their current working conditions, and what changes can be made to help improve teacher retention rates at a Head Start preschool organization in New Jersey? The study explored the perceptions of eight participants, consisting of six teacher participants and two center directors as it relates to teacher attrition and retention, and their feelings about their current work conditions, as well as what the participants identified as necessary to improve teacher retention rates within the organization. The teachers participated in either a focus group or one-on-one interview in order to learn about their experiences within the organization as it relates to attrition and retention. Using triangulation, this qualitative study drew conclusions using one-on-one teacher interviews, one-on-one director interviews, a teacher focus group, and member checks. Based on the findings and result of the study, it was concluded that many factors contributed to teacher attrition and retention within the organization. A few factors identified in the conclusion of the study were lack of administrative support, micromanagement, lack of trust, and unfair pay scales. Though changes can be made to current practices, further research is required to improve overall staff retention within the organization. Keywords: teacher attrition, teacher retention, leadership styles, administrative support, working environment, micromanagement

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