Date of Award

1986

Type

Thesis

Major

Specialist in Education

Degree Type

Specialist Degree in Education

Department

Teacher Education

First Advisor

Dr. Thomas J. Wentland

Second Advisor

Dr. Joseph D. George

Third Advisor

Dr. Noreen K. Steward

Abstract

There is nothing new about teachers leaving their profession. Teacher turnover has always occurred. But when education loses its most experienced and mature teachers, there is cause for concern. When smaller rural districts lose their best teachers both in regular and special education teacher turnover may be a crises!

Recruitment and retention of special and regular educators is becoming an extremely serious problem for rural areas. Enrollments in college and in education departments are decreasing. Women, who once were the dominant force in the teaching ranks, are being attracted to other fields such as medicine, engineering, computer science, and law. High school counselors are advising promising students to consider careers in growing fields. The concept of a teacher surplus has mistakenly evolved as a truism and teaching has been presented as nonlucrative for all, but satisfying for some. With fewer graduates in education, with suburban districts able to offer better salaries, more support services, and better benefits, the problems of recruitment being experienced by rural areas becomes accelerated (Meyen, 1981, р. 2).

Download

Share

COinS