Disengagement Definition
Finally, teachers in the late-career stage (years 31-40) move into a period of disengagement. In ‘disengagement’, as they approach retirement, some older teachers start focusing on their lives beyond the classroom, and they begin to distance themselves emotionally from their students. Towards the end of the career, teachers gradually disengage from their roles and withdraw to personal and reflective pursuits. They may leave the profession feeling satisfied and serene or bitter and worn out. This last phase of the teaching career begins with approximately 30 years of teaching experience and is characterised by withdrawal from the profession. Teachers at this stage tend to reduce their commitment and career ambition, instead focusing more on