Recruiting Teachers Amid Shortages: Potential of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivators to Attract Non-Education Majors

• In Event: Getting Ready for Post-Pandemic Classrooms: Insights on the Hiring and Training of Teachers

Abstract

The U.S. is facing a national teacher shortage, which is especially acute in states like Arizona. As a result, teacher educators and school leaders are looking to boost new teacher recruitment. In this paper, we apply the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators (Lortie, 1975) to consider how education systems might identify non-education majors and recruit them into the teaching profession. This study reports results from a mixed-methods analysis of survey data from nearly 2,500 undergraduates in Arizona. We find that intrinsic motivators remain particularly salient for those considering teaching as a profession, but that extrinsic factors like pay and workplace autonomy and support are also strongly emphasized. Implications for policy are discussed.

Authors

• Victoria M. Theisen-Homer, Northern Arizona University

• Nathan D. Martin, Arizona State University