Exploring the sustainability of the teaching profession: A thematic analysis of teachers' perspectives

Abstract

Teacher shortage and turnover is a growing problem in Sweden, yet little is known about the organisational factors associated with these problems. The current study explores teachers’ experiences of organisational processes and aims to identify relevant job demands and resources linked to professional sustainability for teachers. In this study, semi-structured focus group-interviews were conducted with five groups. In total, 44 teachers (33 women and 11 men) working in southern Sweden participated. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Three key themes illustrating aspects of teachers’ perceptions were identified: Hindrances, Culture, and Leadership. The findings indicate that the participants experienced poor organisational structures effecting both their professional and personal lives. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of what impacts professional sustainability for teachers in Sweden.

Keywords

• focus groups
• sweden
• professional sustainability
• teacher
• wellbeing
• working conditions