* A deep sense of calling: The teacher feels a strong inner drive to teach, a belief that they are meant to do this work, often rooted in a passion for the subject matter and a desire to make a difference in students' lives. This goes beyond simply enjoying working with children or liking a particular subject.
* A commitment to the well-being of students: The focus extends beyond simply imparting knowledge to nurturing the students' holistic growth – intellectual, emotional, and social. The teacher sees their role as shaping young minds and contributing to a better future.
* A willingness to go above and beyond: A vocational teacher often dedicates extra time and effort, working beyond contractual obligations because of their commitment to their students and their craft. This might involve extra tutoring, lesson planning, or community engagement related to education.
* A sense of purpose and fulfillment: The work itself provides a sense of meaning and satisfaction that goes beyond financial reward. The teacher finds intrinsic motivation in the act of teaching and seeing their students succeed.
* A commitment to continuous learning and improvement: A vocational teacher actively seeks ways to refine their skills, stay current with best practices, and deepen their understanding of their subject and pedagogy.
In short, teaching is a vocation when it's a deeply personal and meaningful calling, driven by a desire to serve and positively impact the lives of students, rather than solely a job to earn a living. Many teachers might have elements of both a job and a vocation, but the presence of the characteristics above signifies a stronger vocational aspect.