Date Approved

4-13-2023

Graduate Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Education-Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)

Degree Program

College of Education

First Advisor

Catherine L. Meyer-Looze

Academic Year

2022/2023

Abstract

This paper examines what the literature says about teacher attrition within a social and cultural context. More and more, teachers are leaving the profession, new and old teachers alike. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the teacher shortage in this country. Many states have started initiatives to improve teacher preparation programs, offer scholarships, and school loan forgiveness, however the issues of teacher attrition have more to do with how we are treating current teachers. Many people are leaving the profession due to poor work conditions, low wages, and the lack of respect for the profession from the general public. Making teacher preparation programs easier, faster, or cheaper might increase the number of people entering the profession but it won’t solve the problem. The research reveals that building more robust.mentorship programs can increase support teachers feel and lead to higher retention rates. That is why this project focuses on creating strong mentorship norms within a school system. This topic is important because we need to find the true research based causes of teacher attrition and work to solve it so that we can rebuild one of the most important professions.

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