Increasing Teacher Retention by Improving Self-Efficacy and Classroom Management Skills in Pre-Service Teachers

Abstract

Pre-service teacher preparation programs are often ineffective in preparing new teachers to use classroom management skills and strategies. This contributes to high teacher-turnover rates for new teachers and ultimately influences principal retention and student outcomes. The crisis of teacher retention in the aftermath of the pandemic threatens U.S. global competitiveness and national security. Teacher preparation programs can address job stress and job satisfaction by better preparing teachers for the challenges of the post-pandemic classroom. The purpose of this longitudinal, mixed-methods improvement science study was to determine if embedding evidence-based classroom management skills and strategies into the instructional methods coursework programs, augmented by structured applied learning opportunities to improve the IE, would improve pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy in classroom management. The research used the Classroom Management Self Efficacy Instrument, focus groups, and written reflections. Five themes emerged from the data: student-teacher relationships, orderly classrooms, preventative measures, difficult students, and use of technology. Scores for seven practice-oriented items on the CMSEI showed strong improvement (M = 93.75%, post-intervention). Responding to the CMSEI question “I can manage a class very well,” 87.50% of students strongly agreed or agreed after the intervention. On eight items pertaining to self-efficacy on the post-survey, students reported strong efficacy (M = 85.16% agree or strongly agree). The major conclusion from this study is that embedding evidence-based classroom management skills and strategies into the instructional methods coursework, supported by structured applied learning opportunities, improves pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy and holds tremendous potential to reduce teacher attrition.