Motivations and Experiences of Teachers in a Northern Canadian Community

• In Event: 14.043 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.043-2 - An International Survey of the Status of Teacher Education and Retention

Abstract

This case study examines the factors that attract teachers to, and retain teachers within, a specific northern, remote community (Norway House, Manitoba, Canada). The findings indicate that beyond factors of higher wages, other factors include the availability of: permanent contracts, subsidized housing, spousal employment, and outdoor activities. Among factors that might deter teachers from remaining in the north are family-related. Teachers do not regard financial benefits as the principal factor in their decision to go (and to stay) in the north. Given the amount of human and financial capital required to recruit and retain teachers and the negative implications that attrition has on students, it is important to understand teachers’ perspectives on working in these communities.

Authors

• Melanie D. Janzen, University of Manitoba

• Jerome A. Cranston, University of Manitoba