Gender-Differentiated Perceptions of Teaching among Preservice Teachers of Secondary Education

Abstract

The decision to pursue a career in teaching is usually driven by vocational interests, with the social image of teachers playing a pivotal role in this choice. This study endeavors to explore the influence of gender on the perception of teaching and its impact on the inclination of preservice teachers towards vocational training. The research, based on a sample of 1469 participants, aims to evaluate attributive factors related to the decision to become a secondary school teacher, perceptions of the training received during the master’s degree, and gender disparities when recalling their previous teachers. To achieve this, an ad hoc questionnaire was employed. The data obtained were analyzed using Student’s t test, Chi-square, Somers’ D, and Chaid Tree. The results reveal gender differences by age and academic specialization, as well as a more negative evaluation of former high school teachers by female participants compared to their male counterparts. Overall, the study suggests that female students tend to retain more negative memories of secondary school instructors, a phenomenon that could be influenced by the prevailing unfavorable social image of teachers and their perceived struggle to compensate for past educational deficiencies upon embarking on a teaching career. Given that gender proves to be a relevant factor in the work of secondary school teachers, it is strongly recommended that the training of future educators address this issue with utmost diligence and depth. By sensitizing aspiring teachers to the potential challenges related to gender perceptions, teacher preparation programs can better equip them to navigate these complexities in the classroom and foster an inclusive learning environment.