Challenges, Considerations, and Practices of Principals in the Processes of Teachers' Recruiting in Rural Schools

• In Event: Leadership Perspectives on Teacher Retention, Agency, and Intentions

Abstract

The study examined the challenges, considerations, and practices of rural school principals with regard to teacher recruitment. Based on fifteen interviews with principals, the thematic analysis shows that the challenges consist of limited availability of teachers and costs of distance. The considerations comprise recruiting teachers who fit the school's community in terms of ideology, attitude to achievement, and ability to integrate. The principals’ practices consist of using informal channels, building partnerships with other principals, and involving school staff in the recruitment process. While acknowledging the role of distance and isolation, the study shows the importance of community patterns within work environments in rural areas and their necessity and integration in work processes such as the recruitment of teachers.

Authors

• Noy Dahan, Tel-Hai College

• Yael Grinshtain, Tel-Hai College