Teacher Recruitment and Retention Challenges Post-COVID-19

The purpose of this study was to understand recruitment and retention challenges districts faced pre-COVID-19 as well as changes (or additional challenges) faced post-COVID-19. In this study, human resources administrators and teaching and learning administrators were interviewed in pairs and discussed challenges their district has faced related to recruitment and retention of teachers pre-COVID and post-COVID-19. Further, the participant pairs described strategies their districts are using to recruit and retain teachers. A qualitative case study approach was used to examine recruitment and retention strategies and challenges encountered pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 through thematic analysis of administrator interviews. Consistent themes emerged from the analysis included teacher candidate characteristics, recruitment strategies, factors for mobility, and factors and strategies for retention. Within these areas, subthemes also emerged. Using qualitative methodology and analytical theory, Alignment was found between participant responses and theory. By using the theoretical framework provided by Bolman and Deal, we can further analyze reasons teachers are leaving the professions, the impacts their departure has, and strategies for retainment of teachers. In addition to the framework provided by Bolman and Deal, Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy complements and offers further insight into the themes and subthemes.