Factors Affecting to Choose Teaching as the Career Path: An Investigation on Graduate Teachers in Western Province Schools in Sri Lanka

Area of the StudyThis study is mainly focused on identifying the factors affecting graduates who have chosen teaching as a career and what was their general perception on teaching as a profession.Problem of the StudyTo investigate the main factors which were influenced to choose teaching as a career path among graduates’ teachers in western province in Sri Lanka.Method of the StudyThe data were collected from randomly selected sample of 100 graduate teachers in western province by using a structured questionnaire, which consisted of 47 statements with a 5 point Likert scale. The data analysis included the univariate and bivariate analyses.Findings of the StudyAccording to the empirical evidence of this study, it is found that perceived teaching ability, intrinsic value, job security, time for family, shape the future of children, enhance social equity, make social contribution, work with children, prior teaching and learning experience have high influence on graduates’ choice of teaching as a career and they perceived teaching as a noble profession which requires hard work along with great skills and high standards. As their perception, teaching career is has a well respected career and a high social status within the society.Conclusion of the StudyThe identified factors which had higher influence on graduate teachers’ career choice can be used to improve teacher recruitment and retention, reform teacher education and professional development and finding ways to enhance teaching effectiveness.Keywords: Career Choice, Graduates, Teachers, Intrinsic Valu