Career Decision Experience of Elementary School Teachers with Professional Counseling Competencies in Taiwan
Abstract
This study aimed to depict the career decision experience of elementary school teachers in Taiwan, with certifications of both elementary school teacher and school counselor, to choose becoming a teacher instead of a school counselor. The study adopted phenomenology qualitative research method with semi-structured in-depth interviews. Eight (7 females and 1 male) elementary school teachers with average age about 25 years old participated in this study. The results showed that the main factors affecting their career decision-making were as follows: fit between the role of being teacher/school counselor and their career goals, utilization and comparison of teaching and counseling, the impact of significant others, and the impact of Taiwan’s educational and sociocultural systems, and the impact of university major and employment environment. In summary, the participants’ decision to become teachers were the product of their interest of education, the influence of significant others, educational system, sociocultural factors, employment environment, professional recognition, and career goals.