Values and motivations of teachers in catholic schools

Abstract

In the last three decades socio-cultural changes and theoretical developments in the pedagogical field have influenced decisively the concept of ideal and actual teacher’s profile. In this empirical work the teacher’s actual and ideal profiles are explored both from the teacher’s and students’ perspective involved in the same institution. Data was gathered from the application of an ad hoc inventory and the MIM (Motivational Induction Method) in a sample selected from middle level catholic schools in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Results show that teachers as well as students value more personal qualities, pedagogical competence and academic level, with significant differences between both groups. The correspondence level between the actual and the ideal profile is low. Motivations with the lowest scores among teachers are precisely those that should define the catholic teacher. Some suggestions are included with reference to the role of the head officials in these institutions.