Certainty in an Uncertain Field: The Choice to Become a Teacher by Undergraduate Preservice English Teacher Candidate

The purpose of this study was to explore why a sample of pre-service Language Arts teachers were choosing to pursue teaching careers in the state of Arizona despite growing attrition rates and other challenges in the profession that have commonly led to attrition. Findings for the three research questions were generated from an interview-based study methodology with each participant and analyzed to determine affinity among the group. Results for research question one showed that participants chose to become teachers for three reasons: personal, altruistic, and content area. Findings for research question two showed that participants hold various concerns about public education, both nationally and locally in the state of Arizona. In regards to the third research question, results showed that while participants held beliefs about why others are leaving or remaining in the field, they discussed how their own experiences in teacher preparation have prepared them for their careers. These experiences included having critical conversations with peers regarding issues and challenges in the field of education.