Paid parental leave and teachers in central Missouri : a narrative inquiry about women, retention, and recruitment
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This narrative inquiry qualitative research questions how paid parental leave could improve PK-12 teacher retention and recruitment efforts in central Missouri public schools, thus improving students' educational outcomes. It gains the unique perspectives of women in teaching roles in central Missouri without access to paid parental leave. This study investigated two research questions: What are the lived experiences of female PK- 12 teachers in central Missouri without paid parental leave? And, how could paid parental leave influence the working conditions of PK-12 female teachers in central Missouri? The literature reveals that the United States and, notably, Missouri lag behind other developed nations and other states regarding paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child. However, research indicates significant benefits to maternal welfare, child wellbeing, and workforce development and retention related to paid parental leave. This study hypothesized that a lack of paid parental leave for female teachers in central Missouri creates significant financial, emotional, and physical stress to mothers after the birth or adoption of a child. Additionally, it hypothesized that offering paid parental leave for teachers could improve teacher recruitment and retention efforts. This study found that female teachers in central Missouri without paid parental leave faced significant financial, emotional, and physical stress because they did not have access to paid leave. However, the research did not find consensus on the amount of leave necessary to improve teacher retention and recruitment efforts. Rather, it found that a minimum of two weeks of paid parental leave could assist in reducing the burdens placed upon teachers without paid parental leave. Recommendations for further research include a broader analysis of teachers across Missouri related to paid parental leave and additional analysis of costs associated with creating such a policy.
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