Date of Award

1-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Pavel Shlossberg

Second Advisor

Dr. Michael Hazel

Abstract

This study examines if a mismatch exists between the traditional structure of communication, and the communication needs and expectations of teachers and staff in a rapidly growing and changing charter school system, which in turn contributes to the burgeoning turn-¬‐over and the perceived plummeting morale amongst teachers and staff at the school. Anonymous surveys were administered, and interviews and focus groups were conducted at one school, seeking to gauge teacher and staff perceptions of 1) How well leaders communicated about the school’s and teachers’ mission, strategy, and goals; 2) How well were these ideas and expectations matched to the experiences and challenges that teachers face; 3) To what extent do teachers feel that they are listened to; that their needs and perspectives are acknowledged and taken account of by senior leadership? 4) How fair and effective is the system for assessing their performance? How effective or insightful was the feedback? In the aggregate, research found that teachers and staff receive a range of contradictory and confusing messages from their supervisors and senior administrators regarding expectations, goals, and assessments, leaving them feeling disoriented, confused and overwhelmed. In sum, clear lines of communication do not exist, the traditional structure of organizational communication has partly broken down under the pressure of rapid growth and change, and this is contributing to the decreasing morale and rapidly increased attrition.

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