Why teacher education?
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Date
2013
Authors
Saunders, Joanna
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mount Saint Vincent University
Abstract
This study investigated students’ reasons for enrolling in Bachelor of Education
courses at a time when the employment prospects for teachers in Halifax are poor. Study
participants were first-year students in the Bachelor of Education program at Mount Saint
Vincent University. 85 students were surveyed regarding their reasons for becoming
teachers, their knowledge of the economic prospects for teachers in regards to
employment, their knowledge of the Halifax Regional School Board’s teaching system
and any advantages they perceived they had over others in gaining employment. The
results of the survey were statistically analysed in order to explore the relationships
between the four areas of knowledge. The results of the analyses revealed very few
significant connections – leading to two key conclusions; firstly, students’ reasons for
becoming teachers remain quite separate from their knowledge of the teaching labor
market, and secondly, there is a lack of comprehensive research done by students prior to
enrolling. Findings of the study are discussed in relation to the implications for students,
the implications for the teaching labor market and the implications for individuals
affected by the current oversupply of teachers in Halifax.
Description
Keywords
Post-secondary education - Educational studies , Labour market - Halifax , Labour market - Teachers