This qualitative narrative study explores factors that cause teachers to develop compassion fatigue and to leave the classroom or the teaching profession altogether. The purpose of this research is to explore the causes of teacher attrition, specifically reasons related to compassion fatigue, teacher mental health, administrator support, and government policies; in addition, to illuminate strategies to help retain teachers. Title I, elementary school teachers will participate in a semi structured interview in order to provide the researcher with rich stories surrounding their experiences as a teacher. The study will address (1) what factors contribute to teacher compassion fatigue and issues with mental illness for Title I elementary school teachers in Frederick County Public Schools? (2) what influence does compassion fatigue have on teacher mental health? And (3) how do the roles of the teacher lead to compassion fatigue? The results offer school systems and policy makers a different perspective and allow them to search for solutions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]