Teacher Perceptions Regarding Teacher Retention in an Urban Middle School

Teacher Perceptions Regarding Teacher Retention in an Urban Middle School PDF Author: Marilyn Parker
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Education, Urban
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The new terminology in public school districts is "urban education" which breeds an entirely new scope of needs for public urban school success. Teachers who work in urban schools with large numbers of low socio-economic minority students feel less satisfied and are more likely to turn over; meaning that turnover is high with low morale in the very schools that would benefit the most from a stable staff of experienced teachers (Grissom, 2011). The purpose of this qualitative research study was to identify teacher perceptions regarding teacher retention in a high need, low socio-economic public urban middle school, identifying reasons why teachers stay at that same school, transfer to another school within the district, or leave the profession in entirety. Urban schools are challenged to improve teacher retention and quality (Sachs, 2004). The participants in this study consisted of a sample population of 50 certified novice and veteran teachers who completed a confidential online survey that consisted of eight open-ended questions. Findings from this study are expected to show factors that can positively or adversely impact teacher retention according to teacher perceptions in a high need, low socio-economic public urban middle school. Some of the factors that are expected to be revealed are teacher preparation for urban education, teacher workload, and campus leadership support. Implications for school leaders are to consider teacher feedback regarding campus improvement, assist teachers with balancing workloads, and increase effective campus leadership support to retain high quality teachers for urban school long-term success.

Teacher Perceptions Regarding Teacher Retention in an Urban Middle School

Teacher Perceptions Regarding Teacher Retention in an Urban Middle School PDF Author: Marilyn Parker
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Education, Urban
Languages : en
Pages :

Get Book Here

Book Description
The new terminology in public school districts is "urban education" which breeds an entirely new scope of needs for public urban school success. Teachers who work in urban schools with large numbers of low socio-economic minority students feel less satisfied and are more likely to turn over; meaning that turnover is high with low morale in the very schools that would benefit the most from a stable staff of experienced teachers (Grissom, 2011). The purpose of this qualitative research study was to identify teacher perceptions regarding teacher retention in a high need, low socio-economic public urban middle school, identifying reasons why teachers stay at that same school, transfer to another school within the district, or leave the profession in entirety. Urban schools are challenged to improve teacher retention and quality (Sachs, 2004). The participants in this study consisted of a sample population of 50 certified novice and veteran teachers who completed a confidential online survey that consisted of eight open-ended questions. Findings from this study are expected to show factors that can positively or adversely impact teacher retention according to teacher perceptions in a high need, low socio-economic public urban middle school. Some of the factors that are expected to be revealed are teacher preparation for urban education, teacher workload, and campus leadership support. Implications for school leaders are to consider teacher feedback regarding campus improvement, assist teachers with balancing workloads, and increase effective campus leadership support to retain high quality teachers for urban school long-term success.

Teacher Perceptions of Pay-for-Performance

Teacher Perceptions of Pay-for-Performance PDF Author: Norbert L. Whitaker
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Merit pay
Languages : en
Pages : 113

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Book Description
In this study, I explored the different perceptions of teachers in a large urban school district in Texas towards a pay-for-performance program used on their respective campuses between 2011-2016. In total, 97 teachers from four different middle school campuses participated in this study. A descriptive analyst was conducted on teacher responses to an online survey to answer the research questions examined in this study: 1) What are teachers' perceptions of the pay-for-performance program's impact on teacher motivation?, 2) What are teachers' perceptions of the pay-for-performance program's impact on teacher retention?, and 3) What are the differences among teachers' perceptions of the pay-for-performance programs on the participating campuses? The results indicate 48.3% and 53.4% of the participants perceive pay-for-performance programs as having a positive impact on teacher motivation and teacher retention, respectively. Additionally, the results demonstrate 47.5% of participating teachers responded positively towards the pay-for-performance program on their respective campuses. This study has implications for policymakers and school district leaders who may consider implementing teacher pay-for-performance programs. Future research studies might explore school districts of different sizes throughout Texas and across the United States to gain a broader prospective of pay-for-performance programs.

The Influence of the Elimination of Performance Pay on Teachers’ Perceptions on Retention and Student Performance at High-needs Campuses

The Influence of the Elimination of Performance Pay on Teachers’ Perceptions on Retention and Student Performance at High-needs Campuses PDF Author: Keeley Rene Simpson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 188

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Book Description
There is a need to identify how the elimination of a performance pay system influences effective teachers’ retention decisions at high-needs schools. Careful consideration should be given when implementing and eliminating performance-based pay programs because teacher behaviors change under monetary incentive-based programs. With student achievement as the primary goal of performance pay, an equally important issue that is not yet understood is how teachers perceive the influence of performance pay on student achievement. A qualitative phenomenology methodology was used to determine how teachers make sense of performance pay through their experiences with the elimination of an established performance-based pay system and how these experiences influence retention decisions and perceptions of student achievement in urban middle schools with high-poverty and high-minority student populations. As effective teachers within their schools, the participants were uniquely positioned to provide valuable insight on their perceptions of the elimination of a performance pay system. This study determined that teachers perceive the elimination of an established performance pay system to increase teacher attrition at high-needs schools and will result in a decline in student achievement at these same high-needs schools. This research study expands the literature on teacher perceptions of performance pay and encourages district leaders to work collaboratively with school leaders and teachers to develop incentive plans for retention and student achievement at high-needs schools.

Engaging Teachers to Improve Administrator Support in an Urban Middle School

Engaging Teachers to Improve Administrator Support in an Urban Middle School PDF Author: Barbara R. Kimzey
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Teacher turnover
Languages : en
Pages : 106

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Book Description
High teacher turnover in urban schools, such as at the school in which this study was conducted, has persistently negatively impacted school reform efforts aimed at closing the achievement gap (Donaldson & Johnson, 2011; Ronfeldt, Loeb, & Wyckoff, 2013). Since effective teachers have the greatest direct impact upon improving student achievement, high teacher turnover rates in low-performing schools that serve large populations of minority and low-income students help perpetuate the low performance of those schools (Ingersoll, 2002; Ronfeldt et al., 2013; Stronge, 2010; Wright, Horn, & Sanders, 1997). Furthermore, research indicates that teachers tend to stay in schools where a positive, supportive, collaborative school culture exists and where teachers play a role in decision making (Ado, 2013; Boyd et al., 2011; Ingersoll, 2002; Johnson, 2011). The purpose of this mixed methods action research study was to identify and explore a potential systemic intervention that would improve teachers' perceptions of administrator support in order to eventually improve teacher retention in an urban middle school. By comparative analysis using a t-test of the pre- and post-survey results from the administration of the Principal Support Survey (DiPaola, 2012) that included the addition of three open-ended questions relating to teachers' experiences with and wishes for administrative support, the study results indicated that after four months, implementation of a weekly observation and coaching protocol yielded a statistically significant increase in teachers' perceptions of appraisal support. Recommendations included providing ongoing, individualized coaching support to teachers and to those coaching teachers, in addition to revising external accountability measures to ensure time for coaching and to reduce teacher stress.

A Qualitative Case Study

A Qualitative Case Study PDF Author: John Davis
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 153

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Book Description
The purpose of this single instrumental, qualitative case study was to explore teachers' and administrators' perceptions about teacher morale status at Urban Middle School to understand how morale may be affecting retention within the school. This study explored the experiences of 12 middle school teachers and three administrators/facilitators at an urban middle school in southeastern Pennsylvania to understand their perceptions of the sources of low teacher morale, identifying strategies to improve morale, and how low morale affects teacher retention. Data was gathered using in-depth, semi-structured interviews, including individual interviews and focus group interviews. Key findings include four categories explaining factors resulting in low teacher morale. These categories are poor communication skills by administrators, problems with colleagues, high levels of stress, and the lack of appreciation by administration. In addition, these four categories unveiled potential strategies to improve low teacher morale. These strategies included administrators saying thank you, building strong relationships within the building, administrators assisting the staff, and teachers utilizing self-care. Three categories emerged for understanding and explaining teacher retention at Urban Middle School: professional loyalty and commitment, love for students and the belief that things will improve Four guiding principles were developed through analyzing 36 themes and 11 categories based on codes generated during data analysis, and by consulting the relevant literature: 1) building principals must make a conscious effort to create a positive, upbeat atmosphere where students and staff feel welcome, 2) building principals must not exceed a reasonable workload for staff, 3) teachers need to do their part by taking care of themselves (e.g. self-care strategies), and 4) teachers should remember their love for students, and draw on their reservoirs of hope for the future of education, as reasons to remain in the classroom. After synthesizing the literature review with the key findings, the following can be concluded for each research question. Poor communication skills - by both teachers and administrators - are a critical reason for low teacher morale. Along with improving communication, the top potential strategy for improving low teacher morale is showing authentic appreciation. Finally, the overwhelming reason why teachers stay at Urban Middle School is for the students. Recommendations from this research include that central office needs to ensure all teachers and administrators are trained in professionalism and building relationships and, for administrators, to provide encouragement and authentic appreciation.

Opportunities and Challenges in Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Opportunities and Challenges in Teacher Recruitment and Retention PDF Author: Carol R. Rinke
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1641136618
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 369

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Book Description
Opportunities and Challenges in Teacher Recruitment and Retention serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding teachers’ careers across the professional lifespan. Grounded in the notion that teachers’ voices are essential for understanding teachers’ lives, this edited volume contains chapters that privilege the voices of teachers above all. Book sections look closely at the particular issues that arise when recruiting an effective, committed, and diverse workforce, as well as the challenges that arise once teachers are immersed in the classroom setting. Promising directions are also included for particularly high-need areas such as early childhood teachers, Black male teachers, STEM teachers, and urban teachers. The book concludes with a call for self-care in teachers’ lives. Chapter contributions come from a variety of contexts across the United States and around the world. However, regardless of context or methodology, these chapters point to the importance of valuing and respecting teachers’ lives and work. Moreover, they demonstrate that teacher recruitment and retention is a complex and multifaceted issue that cannot be addressed through simplistic policy changes. Rather, attending to and appreciating the web of influences on teachers lives and careers is the only way to support their work and the impact they have on our next generation of students.

Urban Middle School Teacher Perceptions

Urban Middle School Teacher Perceptions PDF Author: Jeannine M. Porter
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Middle school teachers
Languages : en
Pages : 1011

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Book Description


Principal's and Teachers' Perceptions of Professional Development in an Urban Middle School

Principal's and Teachers' Perceptions of Professional Development in an Urban Middle School PDF Author: Benita Contreras
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780549012092
Category : Middle school teachers
Languages : en
Pages : 116

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Book Description
Several significant findings emerged from this study: (a) there was an inconsistency between the school's professional development goals and the actual professional development that teachers experienced---teachers noted the inconsistent quality of professional development from year to year, (b) teachers at different stages of adulthood and career stages sought different types of professional development, (c) both teacher and administrator participants perceived that the external qualities of the presenter and the presenter's knowledge of the subject matter were indicators of effective professional development and (d) collegiality was acknowledged by all participants as essential to the school's goals and effective adult learning. These findings have significant implications for future planning of professional development in urban middle schools in particular where unacceptable numbers of these students become dropout statistics in high school.

Urban Middle School Teachers' Perceptions of the Social Promotion of Minority Students

Urban Middle School Teachers' Perceptions of the Social Promotion of Minority Students PDF Author: Niesha Harris
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Grade repetition
Languages : en
Pages : 316

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Book Description


Retention of African American Male Teachers in Elementary and Middle Schools

Retention of African American Male Teachers in Elementary and Middle Schools PDF Author: Marla West
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : African American teachers
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
"The representation of African American male teachers in elementary urban schools has decreased. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate administrators’ and African American male teachers’ perceptions of how administrators are challenged to support the retention of African American male teachers in elementary and middle schools in the focus urban school district. Social, cognitive, and transformational leadership theories were used as a framework to guide the study. Research questions addressed how administrators perceive the ways they support the retention of African American male teachers and how African American male teachers perceive that support. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit eleven African American male teachers and eight administrators to participate in this study. Data were collected using semi structured interviews and thematic analysis. The interview responses were transcribed and examined through thematic analysis, which identified codes and themes derived from the transcripts. The three key findings that emerged from the data were (a) climate and culture, (b) developing strong relationships and collaboration, and (c) support and professional development. The findings identified leadership practices that supported challenges influenced by student achievement, professional growth, and African American teacher retention. Further recommendations include the findings from this study may contribute to a positive social change of African American male teachers’ presence in school settings and improve effective leadership supports provided for African American male teachers in urban schools."--Abstract.