Motivations and Perceptions of Inservice Teachers

New research by Dr Colette Alexander , Professor Claire Wyatt-Smith (from ACU’s Institute for Learning Science and Teacher Education) and Dr Anna du Plessis, identified that Queensland teachers’ self-concept, beliefs and capabilities were significant for supporting their motivations for and perceptions of teaching. Extrinsic, intrinsic and altruistic motivators were all shown to contribute to their continued retention in the profession. The findings show how employment practices and social perceptions that erode teachers’ self-concept also work to undermine their motivation for remaining in the profession. This has significance for influencing policy and practice to better support the recruiting, supporting and retaining teachers of teachers in the profession. This is particularly important given emerging evidence of increasing teacher attrition at a time when the need for teachers in growing.