Challenges in Retention and
Motivation in Educational Context
To be Presented by: Manahil Liaqat
About the Article
• Title: Teachers’ working conditions, wellbeing
and retention
• Authors: Ben Arnold & Mark Rahimi
• Published in: The Australian Educational
Researcher (2025)
• Based on data from 744 teachers in
government schools
• Example: Many mid-career teachers reported
higher emotional strain and desire to leave.
Introduction to the Topic
• Teacher retention and motivation are major
concerns in education.
• Emotional demands, workload, and mental
health issues are key challenges.
• For example, many teachers consider quitting
due to burnout and lack of support.
• Addressing these issues is essential to reduce
turnover and improve school outcomes.
Psychosocial Work Environment Theory
• Explores how job demands and workplace
factors affect wellbeing.
• Covers emotional demands, support,
recognition, and leadership.
• Example: A teacher overwhelmed by constant
parent meetings and marking without support
may feel demotivated.
• Theory helps identify stressors and protectors
of motivation.
Key Findings
• Emotional demands, lack of support, and
stress raise turnover risk.
• Job satisfaction, workplace commitment lower
this risk.
• Example: A teacher who feels appreciated and
supported by leadership is more likely to stay.
• Mid-career teachers are especially vulnerable
to leaving due to accumulated pressure.
Implementation in Education
• Schools can identify stress factors using staff
surveys.
• Provide professional development and
emotional support.
• Example: Setting realistic workloads and
giving teachers time for planning.
• Foster positive school culture to increase
teacher engagement and retention.
Reference
• Arnold, B., & Rahimi, M. (2025).
• Teachers’ working conditions, wellbeing and
retention:
• An exploratory analysis to identify the key
factors associated with teachers’ intention to
leave.
• The Australian Educational Researcher.
• https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-024-00794-1