Adolescents want to be teachers? Affecting factors and two-decade trends in 39 educational systems
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AbstractGiven the significance of teacher quality and the pressing need to address teacher shortages
worldwide, understanding the dynamics of adolescents’ career decision-making among adolescents
is crucial. This study aimed to shed light on the evolving landscape of adolescents’ teaching
career expectations and its influencing factors using the Programme for International Student
Assessment data spanning two decades. Results showed that (a) differences between boys’ and
girls’ expectations for teaching careers had narrowed in many advanced economies, with an
increasing number of boys aspiring to become teachers. (b) The disparities between high and low
socioeconomic status students’ expectations for teaching had also been reduced, while efforts
were still needed to recruit prospective teachers from diverse backgrounds. (c) Boys required
enjoyment of reading, self-efficacy, and family and teacher support to be attracted to teaching
careers, but girls were naturally inclined to be teachers. Importantly, each economy exhibited its
unique combinational pattern of pull and push factors. The findings emphasised the need to
address the human resource shortages on multiple fronts, particularly reducing gender disparities,
engaging boys in teaching careers, and promoting inclusivity in the teaching profession.
worldwide, understanding the dynamics of adolescents’ career decision-making among adolescents
is crucial. This study aimed to shed light on the evolving landscape of adolescents’ teaching
career expectations and its influencing factors using the Programme for International Student
Assessment data spanning two decades. Results showed that (a) differences between boys’ and
girls’ expectations for teaching careers had narrowed in many advanced economies, with an
increasing number of boys aspiring to become teachers. (b) The disparities between high and low
socioeconomic status students’ expectations for teaching had also been reduced, while efforts
were still needed to recruit prospective teachers from diverse backgrounds. (c) Boys required
enjoyment of reading, self-efficacy, and family and teacher support to be attracted to teaching
careers, but girls were naturally inclined to be teachers. Importantly, each economy exhibited its
unique combinational pattern of pull and push factors. The findings emphasised the need to
address the human resource shortages on multiple fronts, particularly reducing gender disparities,
engaging boys in teaching careers, and promoting inclusivity in the teaching profession.
Acceptance Date10/11/2023
All Author(s) ListLuyang Guo, Kit-Tai Hau
Journal nameInternational Journal of Educational Research
Year2024
Month1
Volume Number123
Issue Number102274
PublisherElsevier
Article number102274
ISSN0883-0355
LanguagesEnglish-United Kingdom
KeywordsAdolescents,Teaching career,Trend,Gender,PISA
