Factors Influencing Choosing Teaching as a Career: South Korean Preservice Teachers

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: International Considerations for Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Abstract

In recent years, many countries including the United States have been facing challenges with recruiting and retaining high skilled and qualified teachers. This study, using the Factors Influencing Teaching Choice (FIT-Choice) survey, examines which factors influence South Korean preservice teachers in choosing teaching as a career. South Korea provides a unique perspective in the field of teacher recruitment and retention research because it is one of few countries which have an oversupply of teacher candidates. Examining motivations and perceptions of preservice teachers in South Korea and comparing them to other countries provides useful insights to improve strategies to attract highly talented workforce to teaching, and to retain skilled and experienced teachers.

Authors

• Mi Ok Kang, Utah Valley University

• Bitnara Jasmine Park, American Institutes for Research

• Jeong Ae Lee, Chonbuk National University