How Parents Influence African American Students' Decisions to Prepare for Vocational Teaching Careers

The purpose of this study is to determine how parents influence African American students' decisions to prepare for vocational teaching careers. Qualitative methodology addresses the research objectives. Twelve African American college students were interviewed to determine how parents influenced them to prepare for vocational teaching careers and specific vocational concentrations. The following five influences emerged: (a) desire to imitate parents' altruistic behavior and role as community contributors; (b) high academic and career expectations by parents; (c) parental support for academic and occupational endeavors; (d) parents providing early exposure to vocational subject matter and/or the teaching field, and (e) parents aiding in the discovery of aptitudes and interests in vocational subject matter. Implications for recruiting African American students are discussed.