Second Career Teachers: Themes and Variations.

Abstract

A growing number of graduate students are career changers who are seeking second careers as teachers. This paper focuses on 20 novice teachers, graduates of a program specifically designed to recruit and meet the needs of those who enter teaching from other careers. Two questionnaires, biographical in nature, were distributed to participants upon entry into the program and upon completion of the course of study. Data were derived from written responses as well as interviews. Some implications for teacher education programs emerging from this study are that second career students: (1) understand professional rcles quickly; (2) bring valuable knowledge and rains from previous careers; (3) care a great deal about children; (4) are aware of social issues as these relate to education; and (5) have utilized research and reflection in order to arrive at second career decisions. Findings suggest that self-portraits and perceptions of teaching change as the realities of classroom life are encountered. The data indicate that persona3 biography, cognitive and psycho-social development, and a program of teacher education differentiated to meet tP..e needs and concerns of second career teachers have facilitated the process of personal and professional growth. (LL) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** Second Career Teachers: Themes and Variations Helen Freidus Maris Krasnow Manhattanville College Purchase, New York 10577 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) O Thitt documerit haS been reproduced as received from the person or organization Originating it O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points ot view or opinions staled in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position Or POlicy PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY