Teach Away: Teacher Experiences and Retention in International Schools

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Teach Away: Teacher Experiences and Retention in International Schools

Proposal

This poster presentation examines experiences of teachers working in international schools outside of their native country, focusing on identifying the factors that influence the retention rates of teachers in accredited schools.

This poster presentation will explore the following questions:
What are the commonalities between different international schools that have high retention rates of teachers?
What are the experiences of teachers working outside of their native countries in international schools?
What factors influence teacher’s choice to remain in a school beyond their initial contract?
What is the role of provisional resources (technology, curriculum, materials, etc) in teacher perceived success and ultimately retention in international schools?

Drawing on interviews, focus groups, and surveys with a group of 20 teachers with diverse backgrounds and collective teaching experience in over 30 international schools across Central America, South America, Asia, and Northern Africa, this presentation will shed light on the relationship between teacher turnover rates and school climate in international contexts. Utilizing the School Effectiveness Framework, this presentation examines the role of classroom and school resources in teacher effectiveness, student success, and relationship building.

Due to limited research on the topic of teacher retention, specifically in international schools contexts, the results of this project have implications for improving teacher and student experiences as well as increasing retention rates in international schools.

Author

• Kathryn E Anderson, Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania