Factors contributing toward special education teacher attrition: A case study of Orange County public schools

This qualitative exploratory case study involved an exploration of courses of action for leaders of K-12 education to improve special education teacher retention. The problem researched was the rate of attrition of special educators in the case study district who left the field of special education within 3 to 5 years of entering the field. The purpose was to identify factors causing special education teacher attrition and identify courses of action for leaders of K-12 education to improve special education teacher retention. The research question investigated why special education teachers were choosing to leave the field of special education within 3 to 5 years of entering the field in the case study district. Systems theory was the basis for the theoretical foundation. Interview responses from 20 former special educators analyzed with QSR NVivo 8 qualitative analysis software revealed 4 emergent themes. Critical analysis of themes produced 6 courses of action and 3 recommendations for leaders of K-12 education to improve special education teacher retention. Key results of the case study indicated a need for leaders to consider emergent themes of classroom environment, administrative support, funding, and monetary compensation as primary factors to improve special education teacher retention.