Factors Influencing the Retention of Secondary Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers

The impact of teacher retention on quality education has inspired a great deal of research. Although many factors have been identified as contributors, few have been specific to the career and technical education (CTE) area and the diversity of CTE programs demands a more specific approach. The purpose of this study was to identify specific factors affecting the retention of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teachers in Kansas. Major findings include that administrative support and gaining student respect are important for the social integration of teachers. As evidence of the desire to be successful in their teaching role, FACS teachers strongly agreed with their commitment to improve student performance, student engagement, accessing resources, school reputation, incorporating new ideas, and adolescent issues. Additionally, institutional factors that were found extremely important to their willingness to continue teaching were inner sense of knowing they were doing a good job, adequate time to complete job responsibilities, and administrative support for program development.