Reasons for joining the teaching profession: Primary student teachers

Abstract

This study explored student teachers' reasons for joining the teaching profession. A sample of the student teachers of the University of Otago, College of Education participated in this study, responding to a questionnaire aimed at identifying their reasons for choosing teaching as their career. Analysis of the data showed that a large percentage of student teachers enrolled in the institution demonstrated a strong desire to become a teacher, and that only a small percentage of them were ambivalent about teaching as their career choice. In terms of their future plans, the results indicated that the majority of student teachers had a desire to work abroad. Based on the results, the paper also draws implications that may be relevant for other jurisdictions in the Pacific region and beyond.