Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Department

Education

First Reader/Committee Chair

Dr. Sharon Brown-Welty

Abstract

Special education teacher attrition rates negatively impact school districts, special education students, and parents. Replacing teachers is costly, inefficient, and leads to a constant turnover cycle that impacts student success. A quantitative research method was used to survey special education teachers in a large school district in southern California. Results indicated that administrative support was the most important factor teachers at both elementary and secondary settings reported,. Additionally, a comparison between novice and veteran teachers resulted in administrative support being the most important factor across all four categories. Future research should investigate using a mixed methodological design to gain a deeper and more richer understanding of why special education teachers are considering leaving the teaching profession. Limitations of the study include generalizability, lack of predictability of what teachers may leave the profession, and the fear of reporting due to fear of retaliation from school administration.

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