Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Franz, Dana

Committee Member

Robichaux-Davis, Rebecca

Committee Member

Miller, Nicole

Committee Member

Bondurant, Liza

Date of Degree

5-15-2026

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Curriculum & Instruction (Secondary Education)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Teacher Education and Leadership

Abstract

This qualitative dissertation was an exploration of the motivations and factors influencing undergraduate students to pursue a degree in secondary mathematics education through traditional route teacher preparation programs. Grounded in a pragmatic theoretical framework, the researcher attempted to respond to increasing teacher shortages by seeking to understand why students continue to choose the teaching profession despite documented challenges. Prior research indicated two driving forces students consider when choosing a major: intrinsic influences and extrinsic factors. Semi-structured interviews with six undergraduate students from three Southeastern Conference, R1 land-grant universities were conducted. Four academic advisors from four Southeastern Conference, R1 land-grant universities, along with a survey distributed to senior-level mathematics education majors were used to confirm participant responses. The data were analyzed through thematic coding, emphasizing trustworthiness and potential researcher bias. Dominant themes across intrinsic and extrinsic motivations were uncovered. Intrinsic motivations, such as helping students and serving communities, were identified most frequently, followed by enjoyment of teaching and learning and mathematics content. Extrinsic factors, including salary and work-life balance, were present but less prominent. Extrinsic factors were referenced by the participants as more negative compared to intrinsic influences. Extrinsic familial influence and intrinsic perceptions of the profession were discussed as both motivators and deterrents. Recommendations for recruitment efforts included amplifying intrinsic appeals while addressing extrinsic barriers. Limitations and future research directions particularly around demographic representation and longitudinal tracking were also discussed.

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