What keeps teachers engaged? Exploring the meaningfulness of teaching

This study focuses on the factors that make teachers’ work meaningful. Exploring the topic is important, because it provides insights into what keeps teachers in the profession. Teacher burnout and reasons for changing careers have been studied widely but there has been less research on why teachers want to engage in teaching and stay in the profession. The purpose of this study is to highlight the aspects of their work that teachers perceive meaningful. The data concern Finnish teachers’ written responses to an open-ended question (N = 1,627). Conventional content analysis was used to analyse the data. The results indicate that teachers find their work meaningful through witnessing students’ learning, growth, and success, as well as through their role in guiding and supporting students’ development. Teachers highlighted the importance of positive social relationships in the workplace, including interactions with students, colleagues, and parents. Support, feedback, and collaboration within the work community were perceived as essential for meaningful work. Furthermore, student behaviour was noted as an influencing factor, as well-behaved and motivated students enhanced teachers’ experiences of meaningfulness. Findings underscore the importance of fostering a supportive and collegial school environment that strengthens teachers’ sense of purpose and engagement in their profession.