Experienced Physical Education Teachers Reaching Their "Use-by Date:" Powerless and Disrespected

Abstract

With the needs of experienced teachers potentially overshadowed by a focus on recruitment, the purpose of this study was to retrospectively explore the reasons why three experienced physical education teachers resigned. They were interviewed through Louis and Smith's (1990) quality of work life (QWL) model. Data suggested shared dissatisfactions related to the lack of "genuine" opportunities to participate in educational debate and decision making, and limited professional respect shown by administrators and parents. A physical education teacher's "use-by date" was proposed. Unless these issues are further explored and addressed, quality teachers will continue to abandon the service.