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First published online April 10, 2026

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Teaching at the Turn of the 21st Century: Youth Motives and Expectations in Higher Teacher Education

Cecilia Peter Swai https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2812-6778 [email protected]View all authors and affiliations

https://doi.org/10.1177/10567879261434022

Abstract
References
Biographies

Abstract

Over the past 4 years, education graduates in Tanzania have outnumbered those in other fields, despite declining teaching jobs. Guided by a phenomenological design and the Factors Influencing Teaching Choice theory, this study explored the motives and post-graduation expectations of youth enrolled in teacher education programs at universities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 finalist teacher trainees and were analyzed thematically. Findings indicate that many participants entered the teaching profession as a fallback career due to limited academic performance and financial constraints. The study concludes a misalignment between teacher education enrolment and labor market realities, calling for policy reforms.

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Biographies

Cecilia Peter Swai is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology of Education. Her research area is in educational inequalities to vulnerable groups, including women, pastoral societies, poor families, orphans and teacher education.

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