I am currently a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education. This semester I am taking an Introduction to Education class and was so surprised to learn within the first few class meetings that teaching is considered a semi-profession, not an actual profession! Apparently there are certain criteria that a job must meet to be considered a profession. The criteria that define a profession are made up of questions including:
1) Does this field have a defined body of knowledge? No, there is not a defined body of knowledge. Lots of people know many of the same things that teachers know, especially teachers that teach lower level/younger children. Furthermore, the teacher education programs vary considerably from state to state and university to university.
2) Do people already working in this field control entry standards to the profession? No, teachers do not control the entry level standards that are required for an aspiring teacher to obtain his/her certification. The entry level standards are controlled by the state legislatures.
3) Do teachers have independence in decision making? Yes, for the most part teachers have independence in decision making in the classroom.
4) Does this profession have high prestige and high economic standing? No, on both counts. Teachers in the United States aren’t very well respected and they certainly don’t become teachers because they are going to get paid well.
So consider this for yourself. Do you think that the criteria that a job must meet to be considered a profession are fair? I certainly don’t. The idea that a job such as teaching that someone enters into, generally as a lifelong career, is not a profession just baffles my mind!
Is Teaching a Profession?
By allcurledup1124 - Posted on October 2nd, 2008
I don't think the semantics of "profession" matter- if you're doing what you love, what others call it hardly matters.
i have to admit, that i think it is absurd to say that teaching not a profession. however, i feel that you can stretch that criteria to encompass teaching or to exclude other more "respectable" professions depending on how you interpret the questions.
I agree with you. Teaching is definitely a profession. It is unfortunate that many people use those guidlines to determine if the job is a profession or not. it would certainly limit the amount of profession considered by society. i think the number one guidline to determine if a job is a profession is what the majority our society thinks, and i am guessing that the majority of people would consider teaching a profession.
it is also unfortunate that teaching is not a highly regarded profession in the United States. in other countries teaching is the most honored profession possible.
although teaching may not be as highly regarded as it deserves to be based on pay, i think that the importance of teaching is shown when you ask someone who they look up to. I think that the power of being a teacher and being able to help children grow into good people is an honorable benefit of teaching that exceeds all social views of teaching and salary.
I disagree with the last one in particular- who says a profession means a large paycheck and lot's of respect from those around you?
Frankly, this whole list seems ridiculous to me. Teaching is a profession. And one that should be more highly regarded than it is.
Like what you've read? Well, then here's more:
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/tricia0711