"The Lost Boys": A Case Study of Male Agricultural Education Teacher Certification Students Who Changed Their Career Trajectories

Abstract

Agriculture teacher demand is at an all-time high due to program growth, expansion, retirements, and new program openings. However, the 2021 National Agricultural Education Supply and Demand Study indicates a shortage of highly qualified school-based ag educators. A particularly concerning trend is the decrease in males within agriculture teacher preparation programs; license-eligible ag teacher educator program completers were 76% female and 24% male in 2021. Utilizing Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a theoretical framework, this case study describes male undergraduate students’ decisions to depart from the agricultural education- teacher certification track at the University of [STATE]. Findings suggest that male teacher certification students who leave the program a). sense they “don’t fit in;” b). realize their interests do not fully align with teaching; c). feel concerns about self-efficacy; d). experience new opportunities in agriculture; and e). acknowledge financial concerns. Researchers recommend further research into the definitions and support systems of social value and influencers for male agricultural education students and their relation to self-confidence. Additionally, the profession should carefully consider meaningful employment opportunities which will support teacher certification students’ opportunities to build knowledge and experience in the classroom earlier in their teacher preparation program.