Understanding Wicked Problems: Teacher Retention in Rural Alaska

• In Event: Roundtable Session 50
  In Roundtable Session: The Lifeworlds of Rural Educators

Abstract

Teacher retention and teacher attrition in Arctic Alaska are “Wicked Problems” that hamper educational success of rural and indigenous students. This paper reports survey research findings, which identify factors related to teacher retention and attrition. Results confirm that teacher turnover in rural districts is higher than in urban school districts. The authors recognize teacher retention and attrition as multidimensional issues recommending better communication patterns and shared responsibilities between rural school districts, local administrators, teachers, community members, and university-based teacher preparation programs and a new focus on teacher effectiveness.

Authors

• Ute Kaden, The University of Alaska - Fairbanks

• Philip Patrick Patterson, The University of Alaska - Fairbanks

• Joanne Healy, University of Alaska

• Barbara Leigh Adams, University of Alaska Fairbanks