Challenges confronting career-changing beginning teachers : A qualitative study of professional scientists becoming science teachers

Journal article


Watters, James J. and Diezmann, Carmel M.. (2015). Challenges confronting career-changing beginning teachers : A qualitative study of professional scientists becoming science teachers. Journal of Science Teacher Education. 26(2), pp. 163-192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-014-9413-0
AuthorsWatters, James J. and Diezmann, Carmel M.
Abstract

Recruitment of highly qualified science and mathematics graduates has become a widespread strategy to enhance the quality of education in the field of STEM. However, attrition rates are very high suggesting preservice education programs are not preparing them well for the career change. We analyse the experiences of professionals who are scientists and have decided to change careers to become teachers. The study followed a group of professionals who undertook a 1-year preservice teacher education course and were employed by secondary schools on graduation. We examined these teachers’ experiences through the lens of self-determination theory, which posits autonomy, confidence and relatedness are important in achieving job satisfaction. The findings indicated that the successful teachers were able to achieve a sense of autonomy and confidence and, in particular, had established strong relationships with colleagues. However, the unique challenges facing career-change professionals were often overlooked by administrators and colleagues. Opportunities to build a sense of relatedness in their new profession were often absent. The failure to establish supportive relationships was decisive in some teachers leaving the profession. The findings have implications for both preservice and professional in-service programs and the role that administrators play in supporting career-change teachers.

Keywordsscience teacher education; beginning teachers; career-change teachers; second career teachers; professional identity; self-determination theory
Year2015
JournalJournal of Science Teacher Education
Journal citation26 (2), pp. 163-192
PublisherSpringer
Routledge
ISSN1046-560X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-014-9413-0
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84925483810
Open accessPublished as green open access
Page range163-192
FunderAustralian Research Council (ARC)
Author's accepted manuscript
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Open
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online21 Feb 2017
ARC Funded ResearchThis output has been funded, wholly or partially, under the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Grant IDDP0984349
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