DS4OERS NUS/Context/Vocation or profession

“	It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others -- and less trouble.	”
—Mark Twain, 1906

“	Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.	”
—Jacques Barzun, 1945

Is teaching a vocation or profession?

Many educators would agree that teaching is both a vocation and a profession. Consider the following definitions from Wikipedia and Dictionary.com:

Definition of vocation

A vocation, from the Latin vocare (verb, to call), is a term for an occupation to which a person is specially drawn or for which they are suited, trained, or qualified. Though now often used in secular contexts (i.e. not connected to religion), the meanings of the term originated in Christianity.

Today, the use of the term “vocation” has evolved, with emphasis shifting to an individual's development of talents and abilities in the choice and enjoyment of a career.

Definition of profession

Profession is defined as:

1. a vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science: the profession of teaching
2. any vocation or business
3. the group of people engaged in an occupation or calling: to be respected by the Medical profession

Getting to know you

Discussion

Purpose: To reflect on why we became educators, while practising how to use the online forums

This activity is designed for you to meet other participants online by sharing some of your own views about education and teaching. Please post your views using the forum.oeru.org site, in response to the questions below:

• In your opinion, is teaching a vocation and/or a profession? Why?
• If you're an educator, why did you join the vocation or related profession?

We look forward to reading your thoughts! Join the conversation by replying to posts you find interesting.