Career Uncertainty in Pre-Service Teachers

Abstract

This mixed methods study considered career uncertainty in collegiate students studying to become early childhood teachers. The sample included 58 pre-service teachers in a small, private university. All pre-service teachers had applied, been accepted to, and begun coursework in the university's College of Education early childhood education program. Nearly 68% of participants noted that they had experienced career uncertainty. They attributed their uncertainty to aspects of the career, personal ability, trouble with school, and consideration of another profession. Over 60% of the participants marked on a survey that they had overcome their uncertainty by deciding they had come too far in the program to quit. Additionally, about 80% of the participants stated on the questionnaire that they had overcome their uncertainty by talking to other individuals, including their parents, friends, peers, and practicing teachers.