Teacher Turnover in the Context of Teacher-Directed Violence: An Empowerment Lens

ABSTRACT

Teacher turnover is a significant issue in education that negatively affects students’ academic performance and instructional continuity. While multiple factors impact turnover, the effects of violence directed against teachers on turnover have rarely been explored. The current study examines the extent to which (dis)empowerment applies to teachers who experienced incidents of violence and related intentions to leave their positions. The study includes 403 teachers from a national survey examining teacher-directed violence and teachers’ most upsetting experiences with violence. Using content analysis, results indicated teachers endorsed low levels of empowerment dimensions including status, autonomy and decision-making, and impact. Further, disempowerment was associated with turnover intentions and decisions. Future directions for research, practice, and policy are considered to increase empowerment and prevent turnover following incidents of violence.     

American Views About Public Services: A Challenging Paradox for Public Administrators

This review of public opinion about the role of government in the United States finds a perhaps surprising combination of conservative and liberal beliefs. For example, while they are strongly supportive of tax cuts, Americans also want more government activism in a wide variety of areas. This certainly presents a challenge for public administrators and government since the means for fulfilling these desires of the citizens are far from readily apparent.