Leaving so Soon? Reality Shock Among Novice Teachers

Abstract

Disillusionment among novice teachers often sets in upon entering the teaching profession. Unfortunately, this disillusionment often leads to novice teachers leaving the profession at high rates, with underserved schools more adversely impacted by their departure. This chapter explores the sources of burnout via the lived experiences of three novice teachers and the impact that burnout had on their intent to remain in the profession. The “reality shock” teachers experience will be exposed through teachers' personal stories while examining the sources of support and strength teachers sought from both within their learning community and beyond, and how those served as a means to survive the novice years.

Citation

McIntush, K. and Garza, K.A. (2023), "Leaving so Soon? Reality Shock Among Novice Teachers", Singer, E.A., Etchells, M.J. and Craig, C.J. (Ed.) Drawn to the Flame (Advances in Research on Teaching, Vol. 45), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 47-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-368720230000045004