Who Wants to Teach Physics

With the constant prattle and media reports concerning the lack of qualified teachers, time is fitting for a personal and experienced perspective on the reasons behind the shortage, especially in physics. Having happily taught physics for seventeen years in two countries I have recently opted to leave the profession; but the why is a question even I have found difficult to answer. After much personal thought and professional reflection the answer can be synthesised into three simple reasons: there are no incentives to enter the profession; there are no incentives to stay in the profession; and there are no incentives to return to the profession upon leaving.