PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL STRESSORS AND DE-STRESSORS IMPACT ON TK-12 CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND RETENTION

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2020-12

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To effectively increase teacher satisfaction and retention, it is essential that research supports and understands the factors that contribute to the stress and burnout in educators today (McCarthy, Lambert, O’Donnell, & Melendres, 2009). Research is plentiful in identifying that teachers are leaving the profession. Job-related stress is the number one cause for teacher disability, according to the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS). A thorough investigation of the cause of this stress and a plan to mitigate based on sound educational research is critical to keep highly qualified teachers in education. The explanatory research method was selected to investigate professional and personal stressors and de-stressors and the relationship to teacher stress and retention. The initial convenience sampling group consisted of TK-12 teachers from 41 catholic schools from a diocese in southern California with a sample population (N=374). The anonymous survey provided quantitative and qualitative information that was gathered to analyze the data and determine the findings. Results indicated the impact of stressors and de-stressors on teacher stress that influences retention noting a significant correlation for all teachers, notably highest for high school teachers. Schools need to be a place of support and encouragement not only for our students, but for the professionals that serve those children. All teachers should receive high levels of support and just financial compensation. Educators that enjoy low personal and professional stress and experience satisfaction in the workplace will want to continue serving in the ministry of teaching.

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