Teacher attrition – a question of career stage or individual resources? Comparing new and experienced teachers as well as resigning teachers with remaining ones

Abstract

Teacher attrition is a much-discussed topic, but empirical studies on their motives are rare. The following article examines the objectives and reasons for attrition and the factors that may contribute to it. Data from two studies are used for this purpose. Possible factors are identified from a theory-based model of teacher professionalization in order to shed light on this topic in a differentiated way. In the first study on teachers giving notice of termination (n=130), teachers entering the profession and experienced teachers are compared. The second study compares teachers who resign and teachers who remain in schools (n=302). Results show that there are no differences between groups. Job termination and attrition is a way of shaping one’s career path.