What Drives and Sustains Teachers?

What Drives and Sustains Teachers?: A Qualitative Interview Study

Presenter: School of Education Graduate Students, EDUC 571 Spring 2019

Co-Presenter(s):
Linsey Gannon, Paula Kerns, Joanna Schrichfield,Tyler Gentry, Lejf Hansen, Hannah Long, Danielle Miravalle,Cynthia Nunez, Cora Orme, Melanie Parola, Jessica Patalano, Tyler Perez, Jannette Sandoval, Richard Santina, Angel Soto-Cabral, Edward Lyon

Presenter Status: Graduate student

Department: Educational Leadership and Special Education

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1h9BP1NlIM682IsCzZyc-FlpDvvVRiXy8

Abstract:
Research suggests many factors that contribute positively to teacher job satisfaction, including student-teacher relationships, Intellectual fulfillment, and contribution to society. Research also highlights negative factors, including low salaries and the undervaluing of teaching in society.  Through qualitative interviewing of 16 teachers, we made sense of known job satisfaction factors for elementary teachers in Northern California. Specifically,  "what drives and what keeps teachers motivated to sustain teaching as their current career?" Several themes emerged. First, teachers begin teaching due to the impactful relationships they hope to have and their own personal growth. Second, the many types of relationships (with students, colleagues,  administration) matter to teachers. Last, teachers described how they receive support, validation, autonomy, and purpose from their relationships. In summary, relationships fuel the drive and provide the support and validation to  stay.