This qualitative interpretive study investigated the lived experiences of qualified teachers who have remained in teaching for more than 10 years in Zimbabwean rural secondary schools. In understanding how teachers make meaning of their remaining in teaching, the focus is also on the role and place of teachers in society. The experiences were…

A growing body of research suggests that low job satisfaction among teachers may lead to undesired consequences for educators, students, and communities. The greatest impact appears to be a high rate of attrition among teachers, which is growing (NCTAF, 2007). Teacher effectiveness, teacher retention, and student achievement can be directly…

Teachers' decisions about staying in a position are influenced by three classes of variables: employment, personal, and external. In a North Dakota study of the relationship between these variables and job retention in rural areas, 42 special education teachers and related service personnel who had left their positions in the past year (leavers)…

A study examined factors inherent in Montana's smallest schools that attract and retain teachers. Surveys of 126 elementary teachers in 107 small school districts found that a rural background and proximity to family or home were influential in accepting employment. The classroom experience, particularly their relationship with students, and…

School districts nationwide, but especially rural districts, are finding it hard to recruit and retain administrators. In the past 25 years, administrators have had to address increasing demands for special programs, collaborative decision making, and accountability. In addition, potential for conflict with school boards and various constituencies…

A survey concerning teacher mobility, completed by 94 past and current teachers in a rural British Columbia school district, found that teachers left because of geographic isolation, weather conditions, distance from larger communities and family, and inadequate shopping facilities. Teachers stayed because of their principal, spouse employment in…

Questionnaire responses were used to study 99 first-year teachers and their reasons for accepting present positions. Teachers in rural, suburban, and urban districts differed significantly on reasons for accepting their positions but agreed on financial rewards and degree of support as reasons for considering teaching positions in other districts.…

A survey of 258 speech language pathologists (SLPs) practicing in Arkansas examined employment patterns of SLPs in rural schools. Respondents employed in schools remained longer in those positions than did their counterparts in health care, and most SLPs that left a school took positions in other schools. Reasons for changing jobs and implications…

Focuses on the shortcomings and advantages of rural special education itinerant service delivery and suggests practical strategies for dealing with difficult work conditions. Includes implications for school administrators and teacher-training personnel. Emphasizes that itinerant teachers themselves must adjust to change, modify expectations, and…