Date of Award

Summer 5-8-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in School Leadership

Department

Teaching & Educational Leadership

College

College of Education and Health

Committee Chair

Dr. John Freeman

Second Committee Member

Dr. Steve Bounds

Third Committee Member

Dr. Bobby Luckett

Dean of Graduate College

Dr. John Freeman

Abstract

ABSTRACT

TEACHER SHORTAGES IN ARKANSAS RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS: EMPLOYED TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT

ON THEIR EFFECTIVENESS

Carloss Guess

Teacher shortages in rural school districts remain a persistent challenge that affects instructional quality, teacher workload, and professional sustainability. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how teachers in rural Arkansas perceive the impact of staffing shortages on their instructional roles, workload, and professional well-being. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 K–12 teachers representing elementary, middle, and high schools and across varying career stages. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive qualitative approach and the constant comparative method to identify recurring patterns and themes (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). Six themes emerged from the analysis: workload intensification, emergency and provisional staffing practices, reduced planning time, informal mentoring and collegial support, emotional exhaustion and professional frustration, and the need for systemic reform. Participants described staffing shortages as significantly increasing professional responsibilities while reducing opportunities for instructional planning and collaboration. Teachers also reported emotional strain associated with prolonged staffing instability but emphasized the importance of collegial support in managing these challenges. Findings suggest that rural staffing shortages influence not only teacher workload but also perceptions of instructional effectiveness and professional sustainability. Implications underscore the importance of retention-focused leadership

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