In an era of teacher shortages, what would motivate individuals to become teachers when the demands on teachers are greater than ever and there are plenty of alternative occupations from which to choose? This paper presents the findings of a study of student teachers' motivations to be primary teachers and their commitment to teaching after their…

Ten suggestions for keeping good teachers are provided by the governor of Tennessee. These cover the career ladder concept, awards, honorary degrees, summer work, secretarial help, professional standards, short term teaching, community leadership, recognition of distinction, and recognizing teachers as opinion leaders. (TE)

A study investigated the major factors--demographic characteristics, job characteristics, and work experiences--related to commitment to teaching as a profession among Ohio teachers of vocational agriculture. The population was a random selection from the Ohio secondary school teachers of vocational agriculture listed in the 1983-84 directory.…

Identifies factors that influence the choice of teaching as a career in the small island community of Malta and distinguishes between the factors that sustain or diminish Maltese teachers' occupational commitment. Reports on data derived from a 1982 national investigation among a representative sample of 186 teachers. (JHZ)

Through an exchange of letters, a veteran public school teacher advises a doubting beginning teacher (her former student) to remain in the classroom. The letters reveal both women's innermost thoughts about the difficult, demanding, and rewarding profession of teaching. (SM)

Surveyed certified science and mathematics education graduates to determine reasons why they: (1) never taught; (2) left teaching; or (3) stayed in the profession. Also examined the conditions for attracting these recently certified teachers into teaching. Indicates that no reservoir of talent ready to assume science or mathematics teaching…

A White reporter describes how she changed careers to teach poor Black and Hispanic New York City public intermediate students, focusing on her top math class. After one difficult year, she left teaching but hopes to return some day because she felt she made a difference for a few students. (SM)

This report addresses attrition of special education personnel in Kansas for those employed in the 1991-92 year who did not return for the 1992-93 year and compares these data with that of previous years. Definitions of "leavers,""movers," and "stayers" are provided. The first part of the report presents tables…

This study attempted to ascertain the degree to which teacher attrition rates may affect future educational trends on a cross-national basis and to identify particular characteristics, such as class, gender, or academic achievement, that might be associated with those teachers electing to leave and those expecting to remain in the classroom.…

A Virginia study documented the attitudes and experiences of women in technology education (TE) concerning obstacles to TE as a career choice. Reasons for entering the profession revealed a general enthusiasm for technology teaching. The support network included college professors and advisors, parents, technology teachers, spouse, and…

This book is intended to help teacher preparation educators, building level leaders, staff developers, and teacher mentors address school-work patterns in five critical areas that may impact teacher attrition and retention. It supports a view of professional development that fosters the active involvement of teachers in customizing their own…

Reports survey of active and former teachers and high school seniors to determine sources of satisfaction/dissatisfaction in teaching, analyze teacher turnover rates and causes, and explore decision factors of prospective teacher. Finds teacher sources of satisfaction to be service to others, dissatisfactions to be low economic rewards and…

Projected teacher shortages are due to an expanding need and teachers leaving the profession. With the extreme pressures on beginning teachers, a large percentage of them leave the profession within their first 5-6 years. Causes for leaving the profession include school staffing actions; personal reasons; pursuing another job; and dissatisfaction.…

This study investigated teacher attrition and retention in seven Virginia school divisions representing urban, suburban, and rural localities. Focus group interviews of teachers who stay in their school divisions and telephone interviews of teachers who migrated to another school division or who left the teaching profession revealed a hierarchy of…

This study describes the Michigan special education work force (as of 1988-89) with regard to six issues, one primary and five supplemental, having to do with the need for and supply of special educators and attempts to predict future personnel needs. The primary issue concerns the factors that will affect the teacher supply and demand in the near…