Training Second-Career Teachers: A Different Student Profile, A Different Training Approach?
pp. 173-201 | Published Online: September 2016 | DOI: 10.12973/edupij.2016.53.1
Marlies Baeten, Wil Meeus
Full text PDF | 4808 | 3658
Abstract
Second-career teachers are career changers who leave their current jobs to become teachers. This study conducts a narrative literature review which explores the student profiles of these teachers, asking how they differ from school leavers entering teacher education. The literature review also explores the characteristics of training approaches that are most suitable for second-career teachers based on their general student profile. Results show that second-career teachers are older, have strong intrinsic motivation, possess a wide range of knowledge and skills, have a self-directed and application-oriented approach to learning and teaching, and appreciate peer support. They benefit from teacher education programs that are flexible and include a preparatory period, that transfer their expertise into the teaching profession, provide opportunities for self-directed learning and peer support, integrate coursework and field experience, offer a significant amount of field experience and provide intensive mentoring support.
Keywords: second-career teacher, career changer, teacher education program, teacher training
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