Mixed Messages: The Role of Social Messages in Undergraduate Prospective Teachers' Intent to Teach

• In Event: To Teach or Not to Teach? Perceptions and Experiences of the Teaching Profession

Abstract

Despite evidence that socialization influences affect career decision making, we have limited knowledge of how these factors shape individuals’ intent to pursue a teaching career. This paper explores the role of one set of socialization influences–social messages about teaching–in undergraduate prospective teachers’ (UPTs) intent to teach. Drawing on survey and focus group data from a broader mixed methods study of the factors that shape undergraduates’ intent to teach, we find that UPTs receive positive and negative messages about the benefits and costs of a teaching career from their parents, peers, former teachers, and the media. Although social messages are one of many interrelated factors that shape intent to teach, they appear to be influential in some UPTs’ career decisions.

Authors

• Amanda Bowsher, Activate Research, Inc
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kayla Bill, University of Maryland
  Presenting Author

• Betty Malen, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jason Saltmarsh, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Tara Marie Brown, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jennifer K. Rice, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author