Factors Influencing Minority Teacher Retention Decisions in Two South Carolina Lowcountry School Districts

Abstract

This quantitative study aimed to examine relationships between workplace factors and minority teachers’ decisions to remain in the teaching profession. First, the study aimed to determine what workplace factors were the best predictors of teachers’ retention decisions, regardless of race. Second, the study sought to find which workplace factors significantly influenced minority teachers’ retention decisions. Third, the study sought to find if there was a significant difference between workplace factors influencing retention between minority and non-minority teachers. A 41-item Likert-type survey with one open-ended item was administered to two school districts in the Tri-County area of the Low Country, South Carolina. Correlational and multiple regression analyses of 324 teacher surveys found that Minority teachers’ retention decisions were significantly tied to student discipline and workplace conditions. Compensation was most significantly related to White teachers’ retention decisions.