A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Migrating Music Teachers’ Job Fit

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore music teacher migration through the lens of job fit. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, we surveyed music teachers who were in their current positions for at least 2 years and had held a previous position for at least 2 years (N = 74). Participants completed a questionnaire consisting of quantitative measures of current and previous job fit, then responded to qualitative items about the positive and negative aspects of their current and previous jobs. Results indicated that music teachers typically exhibited better fit in their current jobs than in their previous jobs. However, qualitative responses suggested that fulfillment of basic needs may have been more influential in their occupational decisions than job fit. We also determined that job fit involves multiple layers of influence including position features, local contexts, and general contexts. Implications are discussed for in-service music teachers and music teacher education.