Document Type : Original Research
Authors
1
PhD Student in Curriculum Planning, Faculty Of Education And Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
2
Faculty Member, Faculty Of Education And Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3
PhD Student in Curriculum Planning, Faculty Of Education And Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
4
4 PhD Student in Curriculum Planning, Faculty Of Education And Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aims to identify the factors contributing to the teacher shortage and propose solutions to this issue. The research had a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis, using interviews as the tool. Methods: In this study, based on purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 educational and instructional principals and vice-principals of education districts until theoretical saturation was reached. Relying on the research background and lived experiences, the interview questions were codified. To ensure data validity, the validation criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba (year) for evaluating qualitative research were used. These criteria include: 1) credibility, 2) dependability, 3) confirmability, and 4) transferability. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase process of thematic analysis (familiarization with data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the report) was then employed to analyze data .Findings: The analysis of the interviews regarding the issues of teacher shortages revealed five themes, namely recruitment issues, retirement issues, administrative and extra-organizational issues, and planning and motivational issues. The proposed solutions to address teacher shortages were classified into three themes: using the student-teachers’ capacity at Farhangian University, teacher recruitment, and motivational measures. Conclusion :Resolving the problem of teacher shortages needs collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Planning and Budget Organization, the Administrative and Recruitment Organization, and Farhangian University. Without these coordinated efforts, even an increase in recruitment quotas alone will not provide a sustainable solution to the shortage of teachers.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)