From the Top of the Class to the Front of a Classroom: Student Perceptions of the Teaching Profession at a Highly Selective Liberal Arts University

Teacher education programs at small liberal arts colleges and universities are among the most vulnerable to decreased enrollment, yet they are uniquely positioned to provide well-rounded future teachers and educational leaders for a democratic society. To inform recruitment efforts, this study examined students' perceptions of teaching careers and their motivations to study education at one small, highly selective liberal arts university. Findings suggest students perceive the teaching profession as honorable but lacking prestige. Their decisions to study education were impacted by personal desires, institutional structures, and professional structures. Findings offer insights into improvements that small college and university teacher education programs can make to attract and retain future teachers and develop thriving, innovative programs.