Preferred Principal Leadership Styles Conducive to Teacher Retention

Abstract

Rising teacher attrition rates and a shortage of teachers in the United States have left a negative impact on student achievement; therefore, this qualitative study explored ways to improve teacher attrition rates by means of identifying principals’ leadership styles conducive to teacher retention. Fourteen high school core subject teachers participated in this study by answering open-ended survey questions about principals’ leadership skills, student achievement, teacher morale, and teacher retention. Based on the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of teachers as revealed by the participants, the researcher was able to identify the principal leadership style preferred by teachers, which was transformational leadership. Transformational leaders focus on employee motivation, encourage communication, and improve workplace culture. Special education and/or K-8 teachers, a different geographical location of study, and the need for principal professional development are discussed as recommendations for future research.