Date of Award

Fall 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Sheila A. Cornea

Second Advisor

Dr. Susan G. HIcks

Third Advisor

Dr. Michael A. Burroughs

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored workplace experiences and motivational factors influencing teacher retention among Northeast Florida charter school educators. With nearly half a million teachers leaving the classroom annually and approximately 41% leaving within their first five years, understanding why educators remain in the profession is imperative for sustaining student success and educational quality. The purpose of this study was to explore motivational factors that lead teachers to remain in the profession despite current challenges. Using a purposeful sampling method, 12 certified Northeast Florida charter school teachers participated in 30-minute semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom. Each 30-minute interview was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed utilizing Creswell and Poth’s (2018) five-step data analysis process, which included coding, thematic development, and interpretation. Data saturation was achieved, ensuring validity, reliability, and depth of findings. Emergent themes revealed that intrinsic motivators such as a passion for teaching, personal calling, sense of purpose, and a commitment to student success played a significant role in teacher retention. Supportive relationships with peers, opportunities for autonomy, and positive school culture all contributed to teachers’ decisions to remain in the classroom. These internal and relational factors seemed to outweigh the negative conditions existing for current teachers. Fostering supportive environments, nurturing intrinsic motivations, and recognizing teacher contributions may enhance retention efforts. This study contributes to the growing body of literature by highlighting the importance of environmental and motivational factors in sustaining teacher commitments in charter school settings in Northeast Florida.

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