Journal of Education & Social Policy

Teaching more than Academics
Sheila Anne Webb, Ph.D.

Abstract
The impetus for this research stems from the perceptions of practicing teachers. Challenges teachers face mirror societal shifts. Teachers’ competency in their discipline alone won’t assist them in navigating educational reforms and addressing social, emotional, and academic needs of students to succeed in formalized schooling. Are youth facing the negative realities of society earlier and losing their childhood innocence? Do teachers seek employment at lower grades to compensate for that loss? How can pre service teacher’s best be prepared for and retained in a teaching career? 210 K-12 teachers from 64 schools provide a realistic view of teaching in today’s schools and working with today’s students. They provide suggestions for improving Teacher Preparation Programs that should assist with teacher retention. Views expressed are realistic and both positive and negative in painting the picture of challenges to teachers and advice for self-efficacy to navigate and retain careers in teaching.

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