Will they stay? Factors that promote the retention of novice special education teachers on Hawaii's neighbor islands

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dc.contributor.authorBenjamin, Thomas L.
dc.date.accessioned2011-07-21T23:07:47Z
dc.date.available2011-07-21T23:07:47Z
dc.date.issued2008
dc.description.abstractThis study focused on issues of teacher retention and attrition in Hawaii's public schools. Specifically, it addressed the experiences of novice special education teachers on Hawaii's neighbor islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai). These islands are considered "rural" in contrast to Oahu where the majority of Hawaii's population resides in Honolulu. The primary goal of this research study was to investigate the relationship between the level of support experienced by these teachers and their intent to stay in the field of special education. Teacher shortages in special education are a reoccurring theme for the Hawaii Department of Education. Better understanding of the supports present and not present for novice special education teachers may help initiate workable solutions that enhance retention. Two questions guided this study: (a) In what ways have professional factors such as community support, institutional support, and pre-service preparation influenced novice special education teachers' decisions to remain in the field of special education? and (b) In what ways have personal factors such as intrapersonal variables, personal background, and family support influenced novice special education teachers' decisions to remain in the field of special education? A case study design was used in conjunction with resiliency theory to give voice to novice special education teachers on Hawaii's neighbor islands. Findings of the study indicated commitment to teach and the desire to succeed with students were primary reasons why participants chose to become special educators. Participants expressed their satisfaction with and concerns about a myriad of issues that included administrative support, collegial support, working conditions, professional development, mentoring, induction, resources, and relations with students, parents, and support staff. Research findings may be of value to local, district, and state administrators and university personnel as they wrestle with the issues of recruitment, preparation, and retention of special education teachers.
dc.description.degreePh.D.
dc.identifier.isbn9780549600343
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10125/20532
dc.languageeng
dc.publisherUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
dc.relationTheses for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (University of Hawaii at Manoa). Education; no. 5012
dc.rightsAll UHM dissertations and theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission from the copyright owner.
dc.titleWill they stay? Factors that promote the retention of novice special education teachers on Hawaii's neighbor islands
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.dcmiText
dcterms.spatialHawaii

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