Cutting class: Educator perspectives on teacher absenteeism in Brazil

Deely, Katrina A.

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Description

Title

Cutting class: Educator perspectives on teacher absenteeism in Brazil

Author(s)

Deely, Katrina A.

Issue Date

2011-05-25T14:51:38Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Ndimande, Bekisizwe S.

Department of Study

Latin American & Carib Studies

Discipline

Latin American Studies

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Teacher absenteeism
• Education in Brazil
• Neoliberalism
• Feminization of Teaching

Abstract

According to research performed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2008, 32% of Brazilian teachers work in schools whose principals complain of constant teacher absences. This placed Brazil in 8th position out of 23 other OECD countries involved in the investigation . There are many factors that can explain why relatively high rates of teacher absenteeism exist. This thesis examines the relevance of such factors to the absenteeism problem in Brazil and presents additional causes for low attendance. I also evaluate how neoliberal ideology, the ‘feminization of teaching’ and the socio-economic and political contexts in Brazil have influenced current teacher conditions. I have conducted interviews with teachers and administrators employed in the public school system in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data reveal that consequences for absenteeism are considered to be too permissive, the working environment for many teachers in Brazil is unsatisfactory and the salary for teachers in Brazil is low. Additionally, poor health conditions plague the majority of teachers with absences and numerous absences are the result of damage to the vocal chords of teachers as well as exhaustion and fatigue due to stress . I conclude that low salary and low social value placed on the teaching profession in Brazil lay at the root of the issue, decreasing teacher motivation and commitment.

Graduation Semester

2011-05

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/24341

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2011 Katrina A. Deely

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