Perceptions of the experiences, concerns, and implications of out-of-field teaching in home economics: Insights from in-field and out-of-field teachers

Teacher shortages have led to an increase in out-of-field (OOF) teaching around the world. Research in prioritised areas such as English, mathematics and science consistently reveals that OOF teaching may lead to declining student achievement and teacher work satisfaction, and to increased teacher attrition rates. However, there is an absence of research in fields such as Design and Technology, which experiences a comparatively higher rate, with an estimated 46% of teachers OOF. This study examines the reported impacts of OOF teaching experienced by home economics teachers (N = 194), many of whom deliver Design and Technology education in Australia, a field crucial for students to develop capabilities for the twenty-first century. The findings ring alarm bells, with all in-field teachers raising concerns about the negative impacts of the phenomenon. Four areas of concern are identified: compromised curriculum knowledge and skills; negative impacts on student learning; risk to student and classroom safety; and a lack of passion for the subject, leading to the demise of the field and teacher attrition. These concerns reflect those reported in fields prioritised in the teacher shortages environment and, in addition, point to the increased risk to student and classroom safety, an impact that is of deep concern.