Changing Course: Reflections of Second-Career Teachers

This study examined the phenomenon of second-career teachers with specific emphasis on the motivating factors, common experiences, and reflections of the participants in this study concerning the decision to leave already established professions in order to pursue a career in teaching. The study al...

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Main Author: Darrell Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Arizona State University 2011-05-01
Series:Current Issues in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/683
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author Darrell Lee
author_facet Darrell Lee
author_sort Darrell Lee
collection DOAJ
description This study examined the phenomenon of second-career teachers with specific emphasis on the motivating factors, common experiences, and reflections of the participants in this study concerning the decision to leave already established professions in order to pursue a career in teaching. The study also inquired into the process involved in professional preparation as well as in assimilating to the culture of schools. The participants in this study indicated several reasons for changing careers, such as the need for more meaningful work, a more flexible and family-friendly schedule, and the desire to share their experiences with the younger generation. Many of the participants also discussed a sense of religious calling. Hardships faced by second-career teachers are discussed, along with an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of teacher education programs as they relate to second-career teacher candidates. Reflections concerning the participantsâ current teaching practices are also examined.
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spelling doaj.art-1b632fb0b8994b418f80cb09de26a84b2022-12-21T21:46:51ZengArizona State UniversityCurrent Issues in Education1099-839X2011-05-01142Changing Course: Reflections of Second-Career TeachersDarrell Lee0Rockmart High SchoolThis study examined the phenomenon of second-career teachers with specific emphasis on the motivating factors, common experiences, and reflections of the participants in this study concerning the decision to leave already established professions in order to pursue a career in teaching. The study also inquired into the process involved in professional preparation as well as in assimilating to the culture of schools. The participants in this study indicated several reasons for changing careers, such as the need for more meaningful work, a more flexible and family-friendly schedule, and the desire to share their experiences with the younger generation. Many of the participants also discussed a sense of religious calling. Hardships faced by second-career teachers are discussed, along with an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of teacher education programs as they relate to second-career teacher candidates. Reflections concerning the participantsâ current teaching practices are also examined.https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/683Second-career teachersCareer-switchersQualitativeHermeneutics
spellingShingle Darrell Lee
Changing Course: Reflections of Second-Career Teachers
Current Issues in Education
Second-career teachers
Career-switchers
Qualitative
Hermeneutics
title Changing Course: Reflections of Second-Career Teachers
title_full Changing Course: Reflections of Second-Career Teachers
title_fullStr Changing Course: Reflections of Second-Career Teachers
title_full_unstemmed Changing Course: Reflections of Second-Career Teachers
title_short Changing Course: Reflections of Second-Career Teachers
title_sort changing course reflections of second career teachers
topic Second-career teachers
Career-switchers
Qualitative
Hermeneutics
url https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/683
work_keys_str_mv AT darrelllee changingcoursereflectionsofsecondcareerteachers