What Factors Keep Late-Career Agriculture Teachers In Georgia Motivated To Continue In The Profession?, Catherine I. Davis

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Most agriculture teachers leave the profession by the time they reach their mid-career phase. While there is significant research indicating factors why agriculture teachers choose to leave the career there is a void in the knowledge as to why late career agriculture teachers have persevered and are still choosing to stay in the classroom. This qualitative study identifies factors as to why agriculture teachers have chosen to stay in the profession. The researcher interviewed late career agriculture teachers in Georgia with 20 or more years in the classroom and are currently still teaching today. These interviews lead to common themes …

The Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On The Development Of Stem Identity, Choice, And Persistence, Shawna Adams

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This mixed-methods study seeks to investigate the direct effect that socioeconomic status (SES) has on a student's identity, choice, and persistence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). There is a diversity and wage gap among the STEM workforce, which is comprised largely of White males with higher salaries than their counterparts. Underrepresented minority groups (URMs) are more likely to come from low SES and typically have fewer educational resources. Identifying the relationship of SES across student groups can yield insights about how to address inequitable practices and increase STEM diversity. Quantitative data was collected via a STEM survey, …