Media scrutiny of initial teacher education (ITE) programs in Australia has been intense in recent years, with particular attention being drawn to ITE graduate preparedness to teach. Simultaneously there is a worldwide shortage of graduate teachers to fill gaping holes in teacher workforces, and a decline in community perceptions of the role teachers play in our society. In such a crisis the motivations of those entering the profession become critical. In this article motivations of ITE students enrolled in arts education subjects are explored between September and December 2023 (N=120). Findings suggest that whilst the motivations of students have not shifted away from altruistic and intrinsic reasons, a greater focus on the values that ITE students bring to their studies is increasingly important.