Preparing teachers for emotional labour: The missing piece in teacher education

Abstract

A quality education for all children and youth is required for the continued advancement of modern civilization. But this outcome is threatened by a growing international teacher shortage. Increased rates of teacher attrition and reduced rates of enrollment in teacher education programs are driving this shortage; however, research suggests that teacher candidates’ lack of preparation for the emotional labour of teaching is another important contributing factor, one which can be addressed in teacher education programs. The aim of this paper is to explore this problem and surface potential solutions. First, the social historical context of teaching is explored as an entry point to inquiry into this topic. Next, through discussion of the emotional nature of teaching, the thesis that teacher candidates must be prepared to handle the emotional labour of teaching during their teacher education program is advanced. Then, a review of the literature surfaces three key content areas which if addressed during teacher preparation can help prepare teacher candidates to handle the emotional labour of teaching: identity development, emotions and teaching, and social-emotional competence. Finally, these components are included in a theory of change for a new program that could be integrated into existing teacher education programs.