Date of Submission

8-9-2021

Document Type

DiP

Degree

Doctor of Education

Department

Education

Keywords

staff induction, teacher attrition, international school, servant leadership

Abstract

High levels of teacher attrition can negatively impact student learning, cause financial impairment to the organization, and hinder students’ socio-emotional development. Staff induction can be described as a process by which new employees learn and adjust to an organization's norms and expectations to perform their assigned role in the organization effectively. For international schools, however, staff induction is more complex and nuanced, as newly-hired staff are coming from another country and are thus subject to unique challenges that can cause stress, anxiety, and unease. Some challenges that newly-hired staff may experience are culture shock, homesickness, communication frustrations due to language difficulties, and a struggle in understanding cultural differences between their cultural norms and that of their new residence. Staff induction processes at international schools can vary greatly, but sadly, a majority of them fail to consider and address the myriad of challenges mentioned above. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) uses a blend of servant leadership, ethical leadership, shared leadership, and coaching leadership, embedded through a pragmatic worldview. The problem of practice is focused on addressing high levels of expatriate teacher attrition at an international school in the Middle East. The plan identifies the Problem of Practice, outlines the desired end-state through a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan, and provides a change communication plan. The ultimate goal of this OIP is to provide a practical and valuable improvement plan that can create positive lasting change.

Keywords: Teacher attrition, staff induction, international school, improvement, ethical leadership, servant leadership

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