Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Educational Administration
First Advisor
Colwell, William B.
Abstract
Our country is currently experiencing a nationwide teacher shortage that continues to grow as more teachers leave the profession than join it. According to a recent study, 55% of the nation’s teachers are considering leaving the profession. Specifically, in Kentucky, 72% are considered at risk of leaving the profession. National teaching data suggest poor working conditions are the primary reason for teacher turnover (Carver-Thomas & Darling-Hammond, 2017). Therefore, can it be inferred that schools with better working conditions experience less turnover than schools with poorer working conditions? This study was designed to determine the magnitude of correlations between teacher turnover and working conditions in an effort to discover the effect working conditions has on teacher turnover.
The results showed that working conditions do matter when it comes to teacher turnover, but the overall correlations were moderate at best. Improving working conditions will help keep teachers in the classroom; however, this alone will not end the teacher shortage. More research needs to be conducted to identify other reasons why teachers are leaving the classroom.
Recommended Citation
Cowsert, Ryan. "Addressing the Kentucky (9-12) High School Teacher Shortage Through Correlations of Teacher Turnover and Working Conditions." (Spring 2023).