Research on the factors affecting rural teachers’ retention and countermeasures: strategies based on the perspective of Herzberg’s two-factor theory

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rural education is an important component of K–12 education. However, influenced by multiple factors, the situation of rural teachers is far from stable. Therefore, how to retain teachers is the global issue faced by rural education. Based on Herzberg’s two-factor theory, a survey of Herzberg’s two-factor influence was carried out among 323 rural teachers, uncovering the internal factors affecting the stability of teaching staff, to understand the measures needed to improve rural teachers’ retention rates. The study shows that there exists a severe imbalance in the gender ratio of rural teachers, and teachers are highly satisfied with educational policies in spite of their low incomes. With regards to interpersonal relationships, school administrators fail to emphasize a “human-centered” management philosophy. Improvement measures are proposed including expanding the channel of teacher professional development, satisfying the demand for teacher professional development, improving welfare and creating a pleasant work environment.