Teacher Perceptions of the Causes and Effects of Attrition

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine causes of the phenomenon of teacher attrition and its impact on schools. Evaluating perceptions of why teachers leave the profession as well as understanding the impact of teacher attrition may help school systems better retain high-quality teachers. Based upon a review of literature about the impact of attrition on schools, the researcher developed a survey for teachers to rate the degree to which they felt factors included in nine survey items contributed to attrition and the degree to which they felt factors included in seven survey items were impacted by attrition. Descriptive analyses of teacher perceptions related to attrition were computed and comparisons of results obtained through analyses of variance were made to determine if the mean ratings were statistically equivalent across the survey items reflecting first the reasons for and then the impact of attrition. Results indicated that the survey items were not perceived as equally important in terms of contributing to or the degree to which they are impacted by attrition. A major finding of the study is that one of the major reasons teachers leave the profession is their perception of receiving inadequate pay for the job. However, salary limitations are not the only cause for teacher attrition. Heavy workloads and lack of support from parents and administrators also were rated as contributors to attrition. More research to determine how teachers’ perceptions can best inform policy to reduce teacher attrition is warranted.