Charnesia Wynn Dissertation Proposal Defense, Wednesday, March 25, 2026 @ 9:00 am Central Time

COMMITTEE CHAIR: Dr. Stella Smith

TITLE: ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHER SATISFACTION AND RETENTION- QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY

ABSTRACT: The education field is experiencing unexpected changes, especially institutions receiving Title 1 government funding. While the pressure from education mandates is not new, nothing could have prepared any institution for what they would face as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The strains and stresses that teachers faced while working diligently to meet the demands of the educational field while providing their scholars with a fair, equitable education was something no one could have foreseen. Reflection, in conjunction with the current academic climate, forced teachers to reevaluate where they saw themselves in the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), teachers are leaving the field of education in droves, forcing educational organizations to be tasked with the responsibility of recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers. Previous research suggests that teachers leave the field for multiple reasons, with principal leadership among the most impactful. This study aims to build on previous research relating to leadership styles and behaviors that educational leaders of schools exhibit, as determined by their teachers. Ultimately, does using certain leadership styles and behaviors equate to teachers being satisfied and retained in an organization? To conduct this study, a qualitative methodology will be utilized. Specifically, an exploratory case study approach will be used to gain more insight into the experiences of educators serving at P-12 Title 1 educational institutions. The following research questions will drive the study: Do educational leaders in educational institutions employ different learning styles and behaviors as perceived by their teachers? How do leadership styles and traits influence teacher satisfaction and retention within an organization? According to teachers, what organizational leadership behaviors are considered most advantageous? With the knowledge obtained from the study, educational organizations will know what behaviors and leadership styles are more favorable to teachers that can be adopted to recruit and retain highly qualified educators. Addressing a current problem many leaders face: how do we ensure a highly qualified educator leads every classroom?

Keywords: Teacher retention, principal leadership, leadership styles, teacher job satisfaction, Title I schools.

Zoom Link:

https://pvpanther.zoom.us/j/91775120097?pwd=rQCDtPQJD1EfaZRldpBOkKYFYK52HX.1

Meeting ID: 917 7512 0097

Passcode: 788627