ERIC Number: EJ1425956
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
From the Top of the Class to the Front of a Classroom: Student Perceptions of the Teaching Profession at a Highly Selective Liberal Arts University
Eric Moffa; Haley Sigler
Teacher Educators' Journal, v17 p100-125 2024
Teacher education programs at small liberal arts colleges and universities are among the most vulnerable to decreased enrollment, yet they are uniquely positioned to provide well-rounded future teachers and educational leaders for a democratic society. To inform recruitment efforts, this study examined students' perceptions of teaching careers and their motivations to study education at one small, highly selective liberal arts university. Findings suggest students perceive the teaching profession as honorable but lacking prestige. Their decisions to study education were impacted by personal desires, institutional structures, and professional structures. Findings offer insights into improvements that small college and university teacher education programs can make to attract and retain future teachers and develop thriving, innovative programs.
Descriptors: Student Attitudes, College Students, Teaching (Occupation), Liberal Arts, Teacher Education Programs, Teacher Recruitment, Reputation, Career Choice, Small Colleges, Universities
Association of Teacher Educators in Virginia. Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA 22601. e-mail: ehthomps@ehc.edu; Web site: https://www.ateva.org/journal-1/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A