Reducing Turnover: A Preschool Director's Inquiry Into Relationships and Teacher Retention

• In Event: 56.079 - Voices of Teachers: Inquiry in the Early Childhood Setting

Abstract

Qualitative self-study that uses practitioner research to explore one preschool director’s journey as she worked towards decreasing teacher turnover. Through this director’s experience, we see the value of investing time into building relationships. The data illuminated that one-on-one’s played an important role in building teacher- director relationships but that there was also a strong desire amongst the teachers to develop supportive relationships with each other as well. Finally, this study highlights the need to invest in and continue research pertaining to creating ongoing learning opportunities for preschool directors and others in leadership positions, as this self reflexive experience was invaluable to this director in her own learning and growth as a leader.

Author

• Joanna Englehardt, The University of Texas - Austin