Quality of Teacher’s Life: Why do teachers leave the profession?

Abstract

In China, the number of private higher education institutions (HEIs) has been increasing rapidly in recent times. However, an upward trend is noticed among teachers leaving the HEIs. As teachers’ life constitutes both personal and work life, this micro-level study paper examines 100 teacher turnover decisions by examining personal and institution factors based on the Two-Factor Theory. Using ANOVA and independent-t-test, it examines how teacher’s demographic factors affect their decision to leave the institution. The study hopes to contribute to policymakers understanding on teacher turnover so as to mitigate this phenomenon by improving their job satisfaction and quality of life.