The article aims to show the various sides of the teaching profession, to determine the features of professional training in that field of human activity. Using the methodology of M. Weber, the author reveals the reasons for the influence of a teacher on his students, associated with the preservation of traditions, special personal charisma, as well as business competencies. Proposing to divide teachers into two groups (by vocation and by profession), the author touches on a sore subject that caused a wide public discussion – the attribution of education to the service sector. To determine the specifics of the profession, the sociotechnological approach proposed by Zh.T. Toshchenko, according to which the intellectual, sensory-perceptual, organizational and moral components of the teacher’s personality are highlighted. Particular attention is paid to the importance of motivation in choosing the profession of a teacher. Notably the internal motives associated with the awareness of one’s vocation and abilities for teaching communication with children that create the necessary positive attitude to engage in pedagogical activities. Finally, the article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of modern teacher training in classical and pedagogical universities.