The Effects of Morale Building Activities on Teachers in a Rural High School
Graduation Date
Spring 2003
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
The teaching profession has a high turnover rate compared to most professions. The reasons have been linked to low salaries, lack of support from administration, student discipline problems and lack of teacher input into school decision-making. The purpose of this study is to explore the major factors contributing to low teacher morale and to test morale-building activities within a rural high school. Literature related to this describes many factors contributing to low morale and provides specific suggestions to increase morale and have a successful school. This study included an initial survey, literature review, personal interviews and a follow up survey along with the implementation of morale building activities. The sample included 34 teachers at this site with an average of nineteen years of experience. Overall morale remained the same throughout the study with many factors contributing to no change. At the conclusion of this study three recommendations have been proposed for the future morale at this school site. Morale will continue to be an issue in education and an issue on this researcher's agenda throughout her career.