How to Get More People into Teaching? Comparing Undergraduates’ and Teacher Trainees’ Motivation and Perceptions of a Teaching Career

Understanding people’s perceptions of teaching as an occupation, and their motivation or otherwise to teach, can help identify which initiatives/policies are most promising in improving teacher recruitment. Previous studies have often sought only the views teachers/teacher trainees understand why people choose a career. Recruitment strategies based on evidence from such research therefore appealing those who already interested teaching. It is might gone into that provide better clues what we do get more This paper compares 4469 undergraduate students 788 trainee teachers England. Our analysis goes beyond usual approach by comparing young completely uninterested teaching, considered but rejected it, intending be teachers, training. study found little no difference between prospective others terms generic career drivers attraction financial incentives, although tended lower levels qualifications come less prestigious occupational backgrounds. However, not planning much concerned about teachers’ workload, suggesting this probably great deterrent for considering Compared intend likely view intellectually stimulating. They least see high-status profession, offering good promotion prospects job security. Policies improve recruitment need make attractive second group addressing these issues. Additionally, policies should distinct retain existing teachers.