The Perceptions of School-Based Agriculture Teachers on Extended Contracts

Agricultural education, like many other disciplines, is experiencing a shortage of school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers. We examined the perceptions of Pennsylvania SBAE teachers regarding extended contracts as they have been identified as a possible tool to improve recruitment and retention. The purpose of the study was to sample SBAE teachers in Pennsylvania to analyze their perceptions of extended contracts' impact on teachers, programs, and the profession. To do so, data were collected from a survey and interviews of SBAE teachers. Survey results revealed SBAE teachers perceive extended contracts to affect recruitment and retention of the profession. Additionally, extended contracts are perceived to be beneficial to the teacher and their program. Qualitative analysis of the interview participants identified three major themes including the need for extended contracts, the lack of knowledge provided on extended contracts, and the desire for consistency across the state.