Over the past year, EdSurge has been highlighting students in teacher preparation programs to gain insights into the current landscape of the teaching profession. Each profile features an aspiring educator sharing their personal journey into teaching and why they continue to pursue this career path.
The series, “America’s Future Teachers,” comes at a pivotal moment for the teaching profession, with high levels of stress and dissatisfaction among current teachers leading to a shortage of qualified candidates. The declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs has only exacerbated this issue, prompting the U.S. Education Department to launch campaigns to attract more people to enter the field.
Despite the challenges facing the teaching profession, the stories of those who are committed to becoming educators offer a glimpse of hope and inspiration. The 10 future teachers we interviewed come from diverse backgrounds and share unique motivations for choosing teaching as their vocation.
1. Building Relationships
Many aspiring teachers emphasize the importance of building meaningful relationships with students as a key factor in their decision to pursue a career in education. For AJ Jacobs, Sarah Cardoza, and Joshua Davenport, the connection they form with their students is at the heart of their teaching philosophy.
2. Early Aspirations
Most future teachers recall a childhood memory or experience that sparked their interest in becoming educators. From helping classmates in school to being inspired by family members in the field, their early aspirations laid the foundation for their future careers.
3. Alternative Pathways
A growing number of aspiring teachers are exploring alternative pathways to enter the profession, including second-career options and earn-while-you-learn programs. This expansion of access is making teaching a viable career choice for a more diverse pool of candidates.
4. Lifelong Learners
As lovers of learning themselves, many future teachers see education as a lifelong journey and aim to instill a similar passion in their students. They believe that continuous growth and development are essential to effective teaching.
5. Diverse Worries
While hopeful and optimistic about their future in teaching, future educators also acknowledge the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. From concerns about low pay to the impact of technology on students’ learning, their worries reflect the complex realities of the profession.
Despite these concerns, the common thread among these aspiring teachers is their unwavering dedication to their students and their belief in the transformative power of education. As they navigate the ever-changing landscape of teaching, their commitment to making a positive impact remains steadfast.
