Journal of Education & Social Policy

Building Teacher Preparation Programs that Attract and Facilitate the Transition of Sustainable Second-Career Teachers
Ramona A. Hall, Ed. D.

Abstract
There is a vast population of individuals who are interested in changing careers and transitioning into the teaching profession. Much of the possibility for bringing these individuals into the teaching profession rests with teacher preparation programs. Teacher preparation programs must invest time to thoroughly understand the characteristics, perspectives and experiences of those individuals seeking to change careers. Using this information as an ingredient for designing and administering teacher preparation programs will not only facilitate the orientation and transition of this population into their new-found profession, but also enhance the odds that these individuals remain in the profession long-term. This literature review profiles potential career changers while bringing to light characteristics which are deeply relevant for effectively identifying and recruiting these individuals into the profession. It also discusses how, according to the literature, teacher preparation programs can acknowledge these characteristics thereby making the transition from the former to the new-found career virtually seamless.

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