Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education (MAE)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Elizabeth Ankeny

Second Advisor

John Schmit

Abstract

Burnout is prevalent among teachers and particular attention is given to burnout in new teachers. Instead of using a deficit-based approach that analyzedwhy people leave teaching, a positive approach was used to sfudy what makes people stay. The purpose of this study was to gain the perspectives of long-terrn, retired educators who maintained their enthusiasm for teaching throughout their careers. The qualitative research was conducted among four retired teachers in the Twin Cites area. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews, transcribed, and analyzed for recurring themes. The four themes that emerged were teaching as a vocation, the rewards inherent in teaching, mindsets and practices to embrace, and the importance of self-care. The researcher found these themes applicable to life and the classroom. To reduce teacher burnout, it is recommended that more positive based research be conducted to study the careers of those who have been successful in teaching.

Identifier

SC 11.MAE.2015.Peoples.SM

Download

Included in

Education Commons

Share

COinS