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Interests, Niche Selection, and Performance Among Established Teachers NBPTS

Author(s):
Emmerich, Walter; Trapani, Catherine S.
Publication Year:
2002
Report Number:
RR-02-14
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
48
Subject/Key Words:
Personality, Vocational Development, Job Performance, Teachers, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

Abstract

This study addressed the role of interests as personality factors in professional development. Using John Holland's model, the interests of established teachers were studied in relation to (1) teaching specialty and (2) excellence of teaching measured by assessments of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Observed difference in interests among teaching specialties were consistent with vocational/developmental theories of niche selection through trait matching. Business-related interests tended to correlate negatively with quality of teaching. For other interests, correlations with quality of teaching were more specialty-specific. Findings suggested a two-phase sequence in which initial trait matching is following by dynamic engagements of interests that may enhance or impair quality of teaching.

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