Factors that influence an individual's decision to teach agricultural education

Abstract

Factors that Influence an Individual's Decision to Teach Agricultural Education Lee Ann Hall The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence an individual's decision to teach agricultural education. A descriptive research design, in the form of a census survey, was used to collect data for this study. The population included individuals who completed their student teaching from 2002-2005 while attending one of five universities in the eastern United States. The five most influential factors identified by the respondents included (in order of influence): their agriculture teacher, agricultural background, FFA involvement, high school agricultural program involvement, and family. Individuals who did not teach agriculture made their decision based on the following reasons: student teaching experience, demands of the job, low salary, no teaching jobs in the area, and time requirements. Respondents who had left teaching cited a lack of administrative support, low salary, time requirements, no other available jobs in area, unsuccessful as a teacher, and too many demands other than teaching.