Teacher Retention: Investigating the Causes of and Solutions for High Turnover at aLocal Elementary School. Jugdaw Deepnarain, 2025: Strategic Research Project, NovaSoutheastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School ofCriminal Justice. Keywords: competitive compensation, cultural competency,professional development, strategic planning, work environmentThis strategic research project was designed to investigate the root causes of high teacherturnover at a public elementary school in the southeastern United States and to implementevidence-based strategies to improve retention. Stabilizing the teaching staff is crucial forlong-term academic success since regular reading instruction is the cornerstone of studentachievement. The school's recruitment and training expenses have gone up, staff moralehas dropped, and instructional consistency has been interrupted due to teacher attrition.According to a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis and data-driveninternal and external review, poor pay, excessive workloads, a lack of administrativeassistance, and few prospects for professional advancement are the main causes ofteacher turnover at the school. Four strategic options were evaluated, and the mostpractical one was a thorough professional development framework that includedcollaborative learning, instructional coaching, and mentoring. Targeted leadershiptraining and mentorship between seasoned and inexperienced educators were found to behigh-impact treatments.A quantitative strategic planning matrix was used to evaluate strategy effectiveness, withmentorship and leadership development scoring the highest total attractiveness score. Anaction plan was created that includes evaluating current turnover trends, implementingprofessional development sessions, launching a mentorship program, and increasingadministrative responsiveness. A culture of shared leadership should be strengthened,teacher workload and remuneration standards should be reviewed, and ongoing feedbackloops should be established. It is anticipated that these programs will improveprofessional satisfaction, boost teacher retention, and foster a consistent, productiveatmosphere for reading education at the school.
| Date of Award | Jul 8 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Gina L. Peyton (Supervisor) |
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