The Short and Long-Term Career Plans of Secondary Music Educators: Characteristics of Stayers, Movers, and Leavers

Abstract

Abstract The purposes of this study were to examine career paths and factors that may influence secondary music teacher career plans and identify the characteristics of "Stayers," "Movers," and "Leavers." The researcher sent a questionnaire to 1,000 secondary music educators teaching in the southwest National Association for Music Education division of whom 321 participated (N = 321). Short-term Stayers reported greater satisfaction with their professional environment, students, and psychological issues. Movers reported the greatest dissatisfaction with these issues. Movers taught more minority students as well as more special needs students. Leavers were less likely to have had a mentor and earned a lower college GPA. Long-term Stayers reported positive perceptions of their professional environment, greater satisfaction with students, and psychological issues. Movers reported lower satisfaction with community relationships. Long-term Leavers were older, did not participate in a mentor program, and came from a lower socioeconomic background. Implications are discussed.