The Impact School Leaders Have On Special Education Teacher Retention: A Cross-Case Analysis of Two Elementary School Leaders

Abstract

School leaders shape school culture and job satisfaction, impacting teachers’ decisions to remain or exit schools. The demand for special education teachers has continued to increase. I studied the impact school leaders have on increasing special education teacher retention by answering the following research question: How can school leaders increase the retention rates of special education teachers? This qualitative case study was guided by two theoretical frameworks, transformational leadership theory and critical disability theory, which informed the research design. I conducted the research at two public elementary schools in a suburban community in South Carolina. The findings revealed school leaders can increase special education teacher retention rates through intentional support, job acknowledgement, and advocacy. Findings also identified transformational leadership practices that improve special education teacher experiences