ABSTRACT
Making the choice to become a teacher involves moving toward a certain kind of work as well as moving away from other options. Secondary-level teachers often exhibit what might be called a “double consciousness” (borrowing from W. E. B. DuBois) about their desire to teach. They talk both about wanting to work with young people and their love of subject matter. Many, althoughnot all, have positive memories of their own schooling. They wish to create similar experiences for their students. Even those with negative school experiences recognize the value of a good education and want to provide that for their students.
