The Journey Begins
The rationale for studying and achieving a doctoral degree includes both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. Investing time, discipline, and dedication is essential to achieving this academic accomplishment (Santicola, 2013). The inaugural cohort of doctoral students at Winona State University embraces courage and commitment. Passion for life-long learning is evident in every student, and camaraderie will support and encourage the journey that leads to walking across the stage as doctors in education. This is an honorable pursuit with an amazing group of educators who will all excel in future academic endeavors.
Santicola, L. (2013). Pressing on: Persistence through a doctoral cohort program in education. Contemporary Issues in Education Research (CIER),6(2), 253. doi:10.19030/cier.v6i2.7736
Problem of Practice
School districts are continually faced with the challenge of retaining teachers from year to year (Vanderslice, 2010), and teacher turnover has become a widespread concern over the past ten years. Keeping high quality and dedicated teachers should be among the highest priorities for school leaders (Vanderslice, 2010).
Research regarding retention strategies implemented in rural southeastern Minnesota school districts would help address this problem.
Vanderslice, R. (2010). ABC’s of keeping the best: attrition, burnout, and climate. Childhood Education, 86(5), 298+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A229717484/EAIM?u=umn_winona&sid=EAIM&xid=3766835f
Research Questions
Finding and keeping effective teachers is a challenge for school districts across the United States (Vanderslice, 2010). The highest priority for school leaders should be retaining high quality and dedicated teachers (Vanderslice, 2010). Research regarding retention strategies implemented in rural southeastern Minnesota school districts would help address this problem. Research questions regarding rural teacher retention include:
RQ1: What strategic practices are rural districts implementing to retain new teachers?
RQ2: What strategic practices are rural district leaders implementing in schools to retain new teachers?
Vanderslice, R. (2010). ABC’s of keeping the best: attrition, burnout, and climate. Childhood Education, 86(5), 298+. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A229717484/EAIM?u=umn_winona&sid=EAIM&xid=3766835f
