The capability to continue teaching: exploring the relationship between early childhood teacher agency and retention
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: With shortages of qualified early childhood teachers a current international concern, retaining those entering and already within the profession is of pressing importance. Concurrently, individuals are leaving the profession due to sector and workplace-related issues. This paper responds to these current issues by exploring the relationship between early childhood teacher agency and retention in Victoria, Australia. Drawing on a theoretical framework grounded in Sen’s Capability Approach and Gramsci’s Theory of Hegemony, empirical insights collected through a multiple case study with early childhood teachers are presented. Findings show that the capability for agency supports short- and mid-term retention and enables early childhood teachers to achieve goals that are personally meaningful. Constrained capability for agency was found to contribute to potential and actual attrition. Nevertheless, the relationship between agency and retention was also found to be dynamic. Therefore, stakeholders have an opportunity to mediate potential attrition.
Source: Teachers and Teaching
Authors: Jessica Ciuciu, Andrea Nolan
Institution: Deakin University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7129233251