Latent Profile Analysis of Teacher Academic Optimism: Patterns and Variation by Educational Track and Experience

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 9:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Affective Climates in Teaching: Optimism, Discipline, and Retention

Abstract

This study explores whether the triadic structure of academic optimism—teacher efficacy, trust in students and parents, and academic emphasis—manifests in coherent teacher profiles. Using latent profile analysis (LPA), we analyzed data from 1,061 secondary school teachers to identify subgroups with distinct academic optimism patterns. Five profiles emerged, ranging from High Optimists to Likely Pessimists, with systematic variation by educational track and experience. Teachers in the vocational track—particularly early-career teachers—have a higher probability of belonging to a less optimistic profile. Findings support the internal coherence of academic optimism and highlight the role of context and career stage. The study calls for differentiated professional support and embedding academic optimism in teacher education to strengthen equity and learning outcomes.

Authors

• Ruud Lelieur, University of Antwerp

• Bea Mertens, Antwerp University