Investigating Employment and Career Decision of Health Sciences Teachers in the Rural School Districts and Communities: A Social Cognitive Career Approach

Abstract

Teachers’ shortage in the field of K-12 teaching in general and health subjects teaching in particular is one of the most significant challenges in both developed and developing countries, particularly in rural school districts and communities. Leaders at rural school districts strive to establish connections and plans to recruit experienced health educators from different sources and satisfy the on-going manpower demands in rural areas. This study examined two premises: First, why health professionals and staff from urban regions decide to change their career to health science teaching in rural communities and school districts. Second, how to recruit and retain health professionals and staff to rural communities and school districts. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis model was employed to explore the beliefs of 11 health professionals in the rural school district. Stable employment, money sources, and understanding of teaching mission of health science education were three major areas of study. The findings of this study would serve as a blueprint for rural communities and school districts to attract potential health professionals and staff into the current education system.