Teacher trajectories: Teachers' motivations, experiences, and decision-making across career stages

Contact person(s)

This study, initiated in 2026, aims to better understand primary and secondary Māori and non-Māori teachers’ motivations, experiences, and career decisions across different career stages, and how these relate to their perceived professional capabilities.

NZCER has conducted three separate surveys, one each for pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, and post-service teachers. The in-service teacher survey was sampled, while the pre- and post were open. All surveys are now closed - thank you to everyone who hs participated.

We have also invited participants to take part in interviews. Findings from the project will be aggregated (no identifying information used) and published in reports and presentations. 

This project will contribute to improving understanding of teacher experiences, help inform policies and practices to support teachers, and provide valuable insights into current working conditions. 

For more information about this research, please contact Project Lead Mengnan Li at Mengnan.li@nzcer.org.nz.