The Principals' Perspective on the Teacher Shortage Problem in High-Poverty Minority Schools

• In Event: Critical Approaches to Teacher and Leadership Preparation and Development

Abstract

This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of ten principals with hiring and retaining teachers for schools with a large percentage of minority students from low-income households who also struggle academically. All principals share a common experience – they receive the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF), which is additional federal funding that allows for bonuses to hire and retain teachers and provide professional support. The research was informed by Critical Race Theory and Theory of Oppression. Findings show that the principals experience anxiety filling vacant positions due to teacher shortage and negative perspectives of potential candidates. They focus their efforts on retention and found TIF to be more effective with retention than recruitment. Three themes framed the findings: Hiring, shortage and retention.

Authors

• Francine Baugh-Stewart, Broward County Public Schools

• Maysaa Y. Barakat, Florida Atlantic University