Dr. Denise Ball, lecturer in Marymount University’s School of Education and a veteran Catholic school leader, presented her research on teacher retention at the prestigious Oxford Education Research Symposium in England.
Her presentation, “Strengthening Schools from Within: The Impact of Leadership and Culture on Teacher Retention,” explored how school climate and leadership play a pivotal role in a teacher’s decision to remain in the classroom—an issue that has gained urgency following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Being invited to present my research was both a humbling and deeply rewarding experience,” Dr. Ball said. “Representing Marymount University at Oxford was an extraordinary opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with educational researchers from around the world.”
The Oxford Education Research Symposium brought together over 40 scholars across a wide range of disciplines, offering a unique forum for international exchange and collaboration. Presentation topics included reflections on the power of presence in leadership, the influence of artificial intelligence on today’s learners and the critical role of belonging in school communities.
Dr. Ball’s work emphasizes that supportive, inclusive and well-led school environments are essential to reversing teacher attrition—a concern that continues to grow as over the last decade, 19 to 30 percent of educators have left the profession within their first three to five years. Drawing on data and insights from the National School Climate Center, her 2023 research identified leadership, team collaboration and a welcoming school culture as critical factors in retaining teachers.
Based on her findings, the Archdiocese of Washington implemented several initiatives that include launching a retention and recruitment committee, developing a leadership course with over 90 participants and instituting an annual school climate survey with responses from over 200 educators. These efforts, supported by existing personnel and resources, have already led to positive changes in recruitment, professional development and educator support.
“Although teacher retention has been a concern for over a decade, it has become a far more pressing issue in recent years,” Dr. Ball explained. “Teachers are experiencing both physical and emotional burnout. Research reminds us that while much has changed in education, we as a society must listen more carefully to what educators are saying about their working conditions.”
In addition to presenting her findings at the Symposium, Dr. Ball was invited to collaborate with Boston College scholars on educational leadership efforts. She also plans to submit her work for peer-reviewed publication with Oxford University.
“I carry with me a renewed commitment to serve school leaders, teachers and students,” Dr. Ball added. “I am hopeful this work will make a meaningful contribution toward creating school climates where educators feel valued, choose to stay and make lasting impacts on students’ lives.”
A veteran of the U.S. Army and an award-winning educator, Dr. Ball just concluded 27 years of service in Catholic education, stepping down from her role as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in the Archdiocese of Washington. Her professional background includes serving as a Catholic schoolteacher and principal for the Archdiocese of Detroit as well as principal and Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She also served on multiple boards and will continue to serve schools nationwide as the incoming chief operating officer for ADAC, Inc. This organization empowers educators to meet the learning needs of all students through customized professional development and coaching services.
