Date

8-2025

ESRP 9000 Professor

Gina L. Peyton, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Gina L. Peyton, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Strategic Plan to Improve High Teacher Turnover Rate in a Rural Middle School in South Florida. Denise Goytia, 2025: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: teacher turnover, teacher retention, peer mentoring, professional development, video stimulated recall (VSR), mentorship

This strategic research project was designed to provide a solution to the issue of high teacher turnover rate at RMS Middle School, a rural public school in South Florida. The school has a diverse student body comprising economically disadvantaged students, English Language Learners, and students with Exceptional Student Education. Teacher turnover has impeded the instructional process, weakened staff morale, and adversely affected student success. A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted to determine both the internal and external influences affecting this problem, followed by the determination of the most feasible solution, which involves the usage of Peer Mentoring, as this would help reduce the rate of turnover and encourage teacher retention.

Peer Mentoring offers new teachers emotional support, professional assistance, and opportunities to collaborate, thus providing them with opportunities to develop confidence and competence in their positions. Studies show that it is efficient in alleviating overall isolation and burnout, encouraging long-term satisfaction in the teaching profession, and enhancing instructional practices (Kupila & Karila, 2019; Schwan et al., 2020). The created action plan encompasses the design of a mentoring structure, mentor recruitment and training, pairing mentors and new teachers, organizing frequent mentoring sessions, and evaluation of program success. The introduction of Peer Mentoring at the RMS Middle School will help stabilize the teaching staff, improve professional growth, and establish a positive school environment.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Special Education

Language

English

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