Abstract:
For early career teachers a positive work environment that supports their development is important in determining whether teachers stay in the profession. This paper draws on a vignette of one early career science teacher, Cathy, who indicated that she wanted to leave teaching after only three years in the profession. The vignette draws on data from a semi-structured interview in which she describes her experiences of the secondary school science department in which she worked. Additional data were gathered through answering the Departmental Learning Environment Questionnaire (DLEQ) and completing a profile sheet of biographical and demographic information. Her department work environment is viewed through the lens of Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy and uncovers some of the reasons for her decision to leave. Implications for secondary school science departments and Initial Teacher Education providers are discussed.
