Browsing by Author "Niiranen, Miikka"

The purpose of this study was to find out the causes and factors that make a newly graduated kindergarten teacher change the line of work. I started to look at the issue based on previous research in the context of well-being at work and work motivation. There is a continuing shortage of qualified nursery teachers in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Against this background, I found the research topic current and interesting. The study aims to give a voice for two early-stage early childhood education professionals who have settled upon other jobs or towards new studies soon after graduation. The research approach was qualitative. The study material was collected by theme interviews. Two graduated kindergarten teachers from the University of Helsinki were interviewed for research, both of which no longer work in the kindergarten teacher's profession. The interviews were analyzed using data-driven content analysis. The results of the research showed that the most disadvantaged features of kindergarten teacher's profession are low appreciation of the society and the low pay which, in the opinion of the interviewees, is insufficient in relation to the demands of the work. Both interviewees considered the profession to be socially valuable. They also felt that the working life did not meet their personal expectations. They felt that they did not get to put their teaching into practice strongly enough, because the focus of the work seemed too often to be elsewhere, such as in helping the colleagues in their mental support or solving everyday problems. They felt that the human resources were inadequate and the treatment of employees was unfair at times. The work of the kindergarten teacher is, in their opinion, versatile and valuable. It's appeal could be enhanced by structural changes and with a more motivating pay system. From the results of the study it can be concluded that it is possible to increase the attractiveness of the profession, for example by raising the value of work and raising the salary level.