Teacher Longevity: How Do School Leaders Create Conditions for Teachers to Stay?

The purpose of this study was to explore, examine, and analyze patterns of teacher retention in a Title I urban middle school in the NBA Unified School District that has recently experienced high teacher and administrative turnover. In this case study I analyzed teacher retention and mobility patterns at a particular middle school. The study was guided by two leading research questions (1) What motivates teachers to stay at their schools site, and (2) How do school leaders create school conditions to help foster teacher retention? \ud Six teachers, who currently teach at All-Star Middle School, were included in this study. The participants for the study engaged in one to one interview sessions and a focus group that were guided by questions which helped deepen the understanding of what factors cause teachers to leave or to stay at their school. The results of the study showed that teachers want to work in a school environment that fosters effective collaboration, good relationships, and strong support systems. The results of the study further pointed out the need for school leaders to be transparent, listen, and self-reflect on their own leadership.Department of Educational Leadershi