Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify the factors related to plateaus to support the career development of Yogo teachers (school nurses).Methods In March 2017, 1,000 elementary, junior high, and high schools in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures were stratified and randomized. Questionnaires were sent to 1,000 Yogo teachers in each school. Plateaus among Yogo teachers were analyzed by hierarchical multiple regression analysis and path analysis by creating a conceptual framework that leads to plateauing through work engagement from professional autonomy (innovative behavior), social support in the workplace, and work-related stressors.Results Data from 335 Yogo teachers were included in the analysis. The path analysis indicated that the factors that influenced content plateau among Yogo teachers were work engagement, self-learning of professional autonomy (innovative behavior), and years of experience. Work engagement was influenced by self-learning, pursuit of better practice, informational support, instrumental support, emotional support, role ambiguity, and job position. The developed model was a substantial fit to the data: CFI=1.00, RMSEA=0.00, SRMR=0.01. The coefficient of determination was R2=0.41 for the content plateau phenomenon and R2=0.45 for work engagement. Factors that influenced hierarchical plateau among Yogo teachers were work engagement, self-learning, education, job position, and the absence of a school counselor. Work engagement was influenced by self-learning, pursuit of better practice, informational support, instrumental support, emotional support, role ambiguity, and job position. The model was a substantial fit to the data: CFI=1.00, RMSEA=0.00, SRMR=0.01. The coefficient of determination was R2=0.25 for the hierarchical plateau phenomenon and R2=0.45 for work engagement.Conclusions This study found that the low plateau phenomenon among Yogo teachers was associated with high self-learning of professional autonomy (innovative behavior) and work engagement. To prevent the plateau phenomenon, it is necessary to support them to enhance self-learning, create a conducive work environment, and consider training for Yogo teachers that takes into account their years of experience.
Keywords: career development; plateau; professional autonomy; work engagement; yogo teacher.