Older adults and retired teachers address teacher retention in urban schools

Iveris L. Martinez, Kevin D. Frick, Kristen S. Kim, Linda P. Fried

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Teacher attrition is a costly and persistent problem in urban schools. The objective of this study was to evaluate senior volunteers' potential impact for improving teacher retention. We conducted interviews with six principals, 20 teachers, and six retired educators participating in the Experience Corps Baltimore program. Findings indicate that older adult volunteers may enhance teacher retention by improving classroom environments and by positively influencing some factors related to teacher attrition, including effort and satisfaction, as well as reducing absenteeism. While all senior volunteers can provide benefits with adequate training, retired teachers may provide greater benefits in teacher retention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)263-280
Number of pages18
JournalEducational Gerontology
Volume36
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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