Predicting teacher attrition in secondary education: A comparison of models that explain teacher behaviour

Abstract

Teacher attrition is a worldwide phenomenon; many secondary school teachers leave the profession before retirement. Teachers’ intentional behaviour regarding staying or leaving is influenced by individual and contextual (school) factors. A combination of two models, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Integrative Model of Behaviour Prediction (IMBP) were investigated among Dutch teachers (n = 199) in order to explain attrition. The IMBP-model had the best predictive value, followed by the SDT-model. This led to the recommendations that paying attention to Attitude (IMBP) and Perceived Norm (IMBP), and to a lesser extent Autonomy (SDT) and Competence (SDT), could help prevent teacher attrition.