Exploring (De)Motivating Factors over Time: Perspectives of Career Change STEM Teachers from Germany and Israel

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Comparing Classrooms: International Views on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Practice

Abstract

The teacher shortage, especially in STEM subjects, is a global challenge that is partially mitigated by career-change teachers (CCTs). To improve their retention, it is necessary to understand motivating and demotivating experiences they encounter while teaching.
Thirty math and computer/information sciences CCTs were interviewed: 15 from Germany and 15 from Israel. In each country, participants consisted of 5 teachers with 0-3 years of experience, 5 with 4-6 years, and 5 with 7-11 years.
Thematic analysis revealed three similar themes in both countries: 1) Close relationships with students are highly motivating throughout CCTs' careers. 2) Autonomy and professional initiatives become motivating factors during the second career phase. 3) Low wages and social status are consistently demotivating factors.
Policy recommendations are provided.

Authors

• Ainat Guberman, David Yellin College of Education

• Gabriela Jonas-Ahrend, Paderborn University

• Rinat Arviv Elyashiv, Kibbutzim College of Education

• Gal Ben-Yehudah, The Open University of Israel

• Dominik Cyrus, Paderborn University