Preventing the Fall from the ‘Call to Teach’: Rethinking Vocation

Abstract

THIS ARTICLE EXPLORES the high rate at which teachers leave the classroom within the first three years of service, the notion of ‘calling’ in this decision to leave, an ethical call to teacher educators to counsel students out if they do not have the dispositions necessary for successful teaching, and the application of the idea of the ‘primary calling’ as distinguished from a ‘secondary calling’ (Guinness) to the profession of teaching. An examination of fulfillment, fit, and the actual tasks performed in teaching provide a realistic view of the classroom that may assist teacher educators and candidates in viewing the profession more realistically, as well as understanding the true nature of calling. This sense of fulfillment, fit, and joy in the work of teaching may result in longer and more satisfying careers as well as preventing painful exits from teaching.