Kirby, Derrick Jason and Yurkofsky, Maxwell RETENTION OF TEACHERS IN RURAL AREAS. 2025. Radford University, Ed.D. Dissertation. Radford University Scholars' Repository.
 |
PDF
Download (201kB) |
|
PDF
(This dissertation should remain embargoed)
Restricted to Repository staff only |
Abstract
This problem of practice dissertation examines the challenges and potential solutions available to rural divisions in the recruitment and retention of teachers. More specifically, this study utilizes the concepts of Stay Interviews and improvements to an existing Mentor Program to impact retention rates in Rockbridge County Public Schools. By examining this important challenge for rural school divisions, our Rockbridge County Public Schools research team aims to provide a path for other divisions to follow when seeking to enhance a sense of belonging among their professional staff. The study begins by examining the literature on the recruitment and retention of teachers in rural areas, as well as issues specific to Rockbridge County, utilizing empathy interviews and past culture and climate surveys conducted by the state of Virginia. Using improvement science principles, we planned and implemented two PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles to evaluate the impact of Stay Interviews. We are also currently undertaking an additional PDSA cycle addressing changes to our mentor program within Rockbridge County Public Schools. Our research team then used the data from these PDSA cycles to make adjustments that were designed to improve our retention rates by increasing the sense of belonging among our professional staff. The data from these PDSA cycles were also used to reset the culture and climate within our school division and to help determine the path forward for improvement. Data from an independent party (Upbeat, teachupbeat.com) was also used to demonstrate where improvements have been made in terms of sense of belonging and other areas, and where we must continue to work and improve. Rockbridge County Public Schools aims to continue utilizing the tools of improvement science to make further gains in culture, retention, and other areas as we look forward.
| Item Type: | Ed.D. Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This dissertation should remain embargoed |
| Subjects: | L Education > L Education (General) |
| Divisions: | Radford University > College of Education and Human Development > School of Teacher Education and Leadership |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Apr 2026 05:06 |
| Last Modified: | 05 May 2026 15:10 |
| URI: | http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/1331 |
Administrative Actions
 |
View Item |
