Date of Award
Spring 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Committee Chair
Dale Lamb
Abstract
Teacher attrition remains an ongoing challenge in secondary education, often linked to declining motivation or commitment. This mixed-methods sequential explanatory study aimed to explore high school teachers’ perceptions of administrative support, student behavior, and work environment factors, and how these elements impact job satisfaction and retention. Quantitative data were collected through an internal Teacher Working Conditions Survey distributed to high school teachers within a single public school district. For qualitative insights, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 high school teachers, and inductive thematic analysis was used to interpret the survey findings. Quantitative results showed mostly positive views regarding administrative support, student behavior, and the work environment; however, qualitative data revealed greater dissatisfaction with inconsistent leadership, compliance-focused feedback, disjointed discipline enforcement, heavy workloads, limited protected planning time, and inadequate structural support. Teachers generally demonstrated strong intrinsic motivation and dedication to students, but felt frustrated by organizational systems that lacked consistency, transparency, and follow-up. These issues led to emotional exhaustion, lower morale, and concerns about the profession's long-term sustainability. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory (Herzberg et al., 1959) offered a framework for understanding the results, showing that dissatisfaction stemmed from hygiene factors rather than from a lack of intrinsic motivation. The study implied that enhancing leadership consistency, discipline enforcement, workload management, and instructional support could boost teacher satisfaction and retention. Focusing on systemic working conditions rather than solely on individual accountability was seen as crucial for maintaining a stable and effective teaching staff.
Recommended Citation
Serviss, Joseph M., "Teacher Perceptions of Administrative Support, Student Behavior, and Work Environment: Effects on Morale, Commitment, and Retention of High School Teachers in a Mid-Sized School District in North Carolina" (2026). Doctor of Education Dissertations. 272.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/education-dissertations/272
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