What Influences the Career Choice Motives of Future Teachers? A Person-Environment Fit Model for the Teaching Profession

• In Event: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session: The Role of Students' and Teachers' Competence Beliefs and Value Beliefs

Abstract

This paper examines how varying systemic influences (e.g. policy decisions) can help explaining why career choice motives vary between different countries. While there is comprehensive research about the motivations and the career choice motives of teachers, little is known about how they perceive their prospective work environment, how policy decisions influence the parameters of this environment and how these factors are linked to career choice. Thus, this study conducted qualitative interviews on the perceived occupational environment of future teachers. The results showed 8 aspects of the occupational environment and 4 influencing factors. It presents a model that helps to understand how factors like policy decisions interact with the motives of persons enrolling at these institutions.

Authors

• Jonas Scharfenberg, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

• Ewald Kiel, Ludwig Maximilians University München

• Sabine Weiß, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

• Meeri A Hellsten, Stockholm University