Teacher Recruitment Recovery: Exploring the Perceptions and Experiences of Recently Hired Teachers

• In Event: First-Year and Early Career Teachers' Experiences

Abstract

The shortage of K-12 educators is a significant challenge impacting education quality nationwide. This study examined the complexities of this crisis, focusing on the process of teacher recruitment, job search, and choice through the lens of the FIT-Choice model. As part of a larger mixed methods study, in this presentation proposal, we will report the perspectives of recently hired teachers from a large urban public school district in the Midwest. Eight individual semi-structured interviews with educators revealed insights into job motivations, the hiring process, and organizational fit. Findings indicate that job search efforts entailed the use of the district’s career website and were largely self-driven. Job location and employment needs played a crucial role in job selection.

Authors

• Hollie J. Weatherburn, Wichita State University

• Shelly Coleman-Martins, Wichita State University

• Victoria Koop, Wichita State University

• Van Williams, Wichita State University