Date of Award

2026

Abstract

Purpose: Despite decades of research, teacher turnover remains a consistent challenge for schools and communities. In an effort to better understand why teachers continue to leave the classroom, this dissertation focuses on support, collaboration, and trust ties as an aspect of social working conditions through a social network lens. Methodology: Guided by critical realism as an ontological and epistemological framework, this study uses a sequential research design to implement an ego-centric mixed-methods social network perspective (MMSNP). Findings: Instrumental (pedagogical and instructional resources) and expressive social capital (emotional support and a sense of belonging) exist within teacher networks. Teachers who maintain a more balanced distribution of instrumental and expressive networks report lower turnover intentions. Considering specific types of ties, teachers with stronger personal support networks and larger purpose support networks show lower turnover intentions. Relational, structural, and institutional factors, including homophily, educational philosophy, individual agency, and opportunities for both structured and unstructured interactions, influence network development. Discussion and Implications: Trust, reciprocity, and moral affirmation served as potentialities, supporting the formation and maintenance of networks, which, in turn, provided access to social capital embedded within teacher networks and reduced turnover intentions. Personal support networks help teachers manage professional and personal demands, while purpose support networks reinforce commitment to student-centered practice and moral alignment. This research highlights the importance of cultivating stable, supportive networks that not only reduce turnover but also strengthen schools as communities of practice.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Kathryn McCurdy

Second Advisor

Suzanne Graham

Third Advisor

Kira Baker-Doyle

Department or Program

Education

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

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