Imagining Futures for Teaching Contracts

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Terms of Service: Teacher Policy, Contracts, and Governance

Abstract

The extent to which teacher contracts shape teachers’ practice, morale, and outlook is underexplored. The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand how temporary contracts influence practice and career decisions of a group of teachers in Southern California. Looking through the lens of self-determination theory, findings suggest teachers on temporary contracts experience a decreased sense of autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Implications for contract policies include amending state policy on temporary contracts, and for districts to communicate a clear and fair contract policy to their teachers.

Authors

• uriel abisay martinez sanchez, California State University - San Marcos

• Joni Kolman, California State University - San Marcos