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Finnish teacher education is highly competitive, and teachers still hold a high status in society. However, some signs indicate that this situation could be changing. This study investigated pre-service teachers (PSTs) who expressed that they would not enter the teaching profession after graduation. We focused on the tensions that had caused these PSTs’ doubts. Nine PSTs participated in focus group interviews that were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis produced three themes of tension that affected PSTs’ commitment towards a teaching career. These themes were: Teacher education; Well-being, self, and values; and Teachers’ work. The results show that the tensions experienced were not only related to personal issues, but also to teacher education and teachers’ work more broadly. This study clearly illustrates how ideals play a crucial role in becoming a teacher. Furthermore, it also indicates that PSTs’ values are more oriented towards self. The role of society is significant in sustaining the status of the teaching profession, as we can see the negative effects of societal discussion in the results of this study.
Maaranen et al. (Mon,) studied this question.