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Educational Research & Development Journal
Motivational Differences Throughout Teachers' Preparation and Career |
| Annette Ponnock,, Benjamin Torsney, Doug Lombardi |
Abstract |
| Teacher motivation is an impact aspect of the teacher performance and thus student achievement. Given the varying degrees of responsibility, tasks, and obstacles over the course of a teacher's training and career, their motivation is likely to change over time. This study examined the motivational differences of pre-service teachers (PSTs), early, mid, and late-career teachers, as well as differences between early childhood, middle grades, and secondary teachers. Using the Factors Influencing Teacher Choice (FIT-Choice) model of teacher motivation, we found significant main and interaction effects. Motivation was generally highest in pre-service and early childhood teachers; it was lowest in early career teachers with no significant differences between mid- and late-career teachers. These findings have important implications for teacher retention, particularly in early career teachers when they are especially vulnerable to stress and attrition. |
ISSN: 1526-8659