In-service teachers' perceptions of teaching as a career: Motives and commitment in teaching

A questionnaire survey was administered to 106 in-service teacher education students of a university in Hong Kong to study their motives and commitment in teaching. Of the three motive factors in taking up teaching as a career, the most influential one is “intrinsic/altruistic motive”, followed by “extrinsic motive/job condition” and “influence from others”. Four factors influencing the teachers’ commitment in teaching were found, viz. “students’ learning and school development”, “demands on teaching and school practices”, “teaching as a career choice”, “teacher - pupils interaction and attitudes”. Correlational analyses showed that intrinsic/altruistic motive was significantly related to the four commitment factors. Further analysis showed that elements affecting teachers’ commitment in teaching involve school head, colleagues, students, parents and educational changes, which deserve the attention of the education authority to address with appropriate measures.