Journal of K-12 Educational Research 47 Research Question 2 (RQ2) What are the perceptions of teachers about principal support on teacher attrition in charter schools? IQ 3: Describe what the district is doing to support you. IQ 4: Describe what the campus principal is doing to support you. Instructional Needs Matter The theme Instructional Needs Matter summarized the teachers’ perceptions about the support they received from the District. They stated the District has hired a team that comes out to the campuses and supports teachers. Teachers indicated they had the resources and equipment needed to perform their jobs. They included things like math manipulatives, Chromebooks, smart boards, and iPads. Most teachers commented on the professional development they were receiving. They felt it was timely and futurefocused. Some indicated the District gives them autonomy in selecting the training that meets their needs, and they liked that. Teachers indicated that they appreciated the mentoring from other teachers with more experience. Principal Availability is Salient The theme of Principal Availability is Salient summarized the teachers’ perceptions about the support they received from the campus principal. Teachers felt the presence of the campus principal was observable in ways such as visibility in the car line, popping into the classrooms to ask how things were going, and being present in the hallways. In addition, they appreciated that their principals communicated frequently with them through emails, newsletters, and disseminated information in a timely manner. Some teachers mentioned how the principal shared resources with links where they could access different professional development presentations. They described the principals as being understanding with a positive, helpful attitude. Findings from Research Question 3 RQ3 focused on teachers’ perceptions about the leadership traits and practices that have made teachers want to remain on their campuses. IQ5 and IQ6 focused on the qualities and characteristics teachers found most helpful from their principals daily and how teachers would support their teachers if they were the principal. The two themes that emerged from RQ3 were Principal Visibility and Communication is Key, and Resources and Availability Generate Appreciation. Research Question 3 (RQ3) What are the perceptions of teachers about leadership styles and practices that have supported teacher retention? IQ 5: What kinds of qualities and characteristics do you find most helpful from your principal on a day-to-day basis? IQ 6: If you were the principal, what would you be sure to do to support the teachers in your building? Principal Visibility and Communication is Key The theme of principal Visibility and Communication is Key summarized the teachers’ perceptions about the qualities and characteristics they perceived to be the most helpful daily. Teachers expressed the importance of the principal being visible to provide assistance when needed. They acknowledged that the principal’s presence minimized disruptive student behaviors and kept the school moving on an organized daily schedule. Teachers also acknowledged the importance of receiving weekly emails. They noted that the emails keep teachers abreast of what is happening in the district, on their campus, as well as on other campuses. They liked that the principal took care of the big issues, so teachers could spend their time working with the students. They also acknowledged how the principal’s communication skills helped, especially the newsletters, because they ensured that teachers were updated about what was happening on the campus, in the District, and on other campuses. Resources and Availability Generate Appreciation The theme of Resources and Availability Generate Appreciation summarized the teachers’ perceptions about the qualities and characteristics they perceived to be the most influential in retaining teachers as a campus principal. Teachers discussed the importance of having principals who ensured they had the necessary resources to do their jobs and were available for teachers. They stated
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