Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
In the face of a global teacher shortage various strategies are being used to bolster the teaching workforce. In Australia, one such strategy has been to employ pre-service teachers under alternative permission to teach contracts. Given the recency of this phenomenon, there is little empirical evidence about the impact of this strategy on pre-service teachers, specifically how this experience may influence their wellbeing and retention in the profession. Utilising the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) framework, this study explores the benefits and demands of alternative permission to teach arrangements on pre-service teachers, and in particular the impact on their wellbeing and career intentions. Data is drawn from an online questionnaire (n = 50) and in-depth individual interviews (n = 11). Findings reveal demands on pre-service teachers including high workload, time constraints, and teaching inexperience. Personal coping strategies included spending time with loved ones, taking breaks, and managing expectations. Gaining teaching experience, building professional relationships, earning income, and applying theory to practice were identified as job resources. The study reveals the precarious balancing act required in managing multiple competing demands across study, work and personal contexts. Implications for supporting beginning teachers’ wellbeing, positive transition to the profession and career intentions are discussed.
Keywords
alternative permission to teach, pre-service teachers, retention, transition, wellbeing
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
E-ISSN
14701278
ISSN
13540602
Publication Title
Teachers and Teaching
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
School of Education
RAS ID
102322
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Mansfield, C. F., Kirkham, J., Lemon, N., & Papatraianou, L. (2026). A delicate balance: Experiences and wellbeing of pre-service teachers navigating demands and benefits of studying while working as a teacher. Teachers and Teaching. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2026.2729132