The perspectives of secondary math and science teachers, administrators, and district personnel on retaining highly qualified secondary math and science teachers in Title I districts

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of urban secondary math and science teachers, administrators, and district personnel regarding the factors that influence secondary math and science teachers with more than five years of teaching experience to remain in urban Title I districts. The participants were interviewed to gain their perspective of teacher retention through their experiences and roles in the district. The participants discussed: (a) the lack of preparation to teach in urban schools, (b) why teachers leave urban districts, and (c) what districts can do to retain teachers. The outcome of this study is to positively impact teacher retention of secondary math and science teachers in urban districts by selecting teachers who have a desire to work with at-risk students, continuously have a growth mindset, and have students achieve academic success.