‘Commitment’ and Motivation in Primary School Teachers

Analysis of the use made by ninety‐three primary school teachers of the word ‘commitment’ revealed that they were using it in four different senses‐‐as caring, a concern for occupational competence, personal identification as ‘teacher’, and career‐continuance. The first two involve a readiness to devote personal resources (e.g. time, money) to work; the last two suggest an intention to make a career in teaching. All suggest different motives for entering and remaining in teaching. ‘Commitment’ is also used as a means of distinguising between individuals and groups of teachers.