The Rise and Fall of the Teaching Profession: Prestige, Interest, Preparation, and Satisfaction Over the Last Half Century

2024/10/31 by Matthew A. Kraft, Melissa Arnold Lyon · 1 voice · 9 citations
Social Sciences · Decision Sciences · #School Choice and Performance #Teacher Education and Leadership Studies #Educational Assessment and Improvement

paper · pdf · doi:10.3102/00028312241276856

Abstract

We examine the state of the U.S. K–12 teaching profession over the last half century by compiling nationally representative time-series data on four interrelated constructs: occupational prestige, interest among students, the number of individuals preparing for entry, and on-the-job satisfaction. We find a consistent and dynamic pattern across every measure: a rapid decline in the 1970s, a swift rise in the 1980s extending into the mid-1990s, relative stability, and then a sustained decline beginning around 2010. The current state of the teaching profession is at or near its lowest levels in 50 years. We identify and explore a range of hypotheses that might explain these historical patterns including economic and sociopolitical factors, education policies, and school environments.

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Discussions

• A worthwhile read for sure. Kraft, M. A., & Lyon, M. A. (2024). The Rise and Fall of the Teaching Profession: Prestige, Interest, Preparation, and Satisfaction Over the Last Half Century. American Ed [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]

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