Abstract

This research examines the decisions to give up teaching made by early career teachers in Chilean secondary school. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to examine the motives that were the basis of decisions, in a sample of 145 teachers. The results show that the structural conditions of the teaching profession, including remuneration, and the prospect of other more attractive professional opportunities are key to understand the phenomenon. Additionally, a group of teachers emerges who are disappointed with the aims, performance, and organization of the school system. The findings suggest the need to establish new incentives to motivate teachers who are considering leaving the profession and ways of improving career paths.