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Table 3 Analysis of responses from former foreign language teachers to open-ended questions (n = 47)

From: Social capital: a vital ingredient for retaining foreign language teachers

What were the reasons for your departure from the field?

What, if anything, would have ensured your continuation?

Theme

n

Theme

n

Lack of support

9

Support

10

Working conditions

8

Value, respect, appreciation

10

Lack of value

6

Better job opportunities

7

Administrative decisions about program

6

Improved work conditions

4

Classroom and behaviour management issues

3

Nothing

4

Lack of job satisfaction

2

Opportunities for professional development

3

Toxic principal

2

More confidence in ability

2

Lack of proficiency

1

Autonomy

2

Unhappy workplace

1

Increased salary

2

Low student interest

1

Removal of proficiency exam

2

‘Unbearable’ students and parents

1

Less isolation as an itinerant teacher

1

Itinerancy

1

Opportunities for promotion

1

Stress

1

Better HR management

1

Frustration

1

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