Perception of Working Conditions: Its Impact on Prospective Teachers’ Decisions to Teach in Urban Districts

• In Event: Conditions Count: Teaching in Challenging Situations

Abstract

One main reason for the staffing challenge in urban districts is teachers' working conditions, in that it has been linked to teacher turnover, job satisfaction, and burnout. Working conditions are a critical issue that may potentially impact teacher recruitment and retention in large urban school districts. However, very little is known about how prospective teachers' perception of working conditions may influence where they choose to teach. The purpose of this study is to describe the background and perceptions of New Jersey teacher candidates, from traditional and alternate route programs, and to investigate the factors that impact their decisions to teach (or not teach) in urban districts.

Authors

• Deena Khalil, Rutgers University

• Peijia Zha, Rutgers University