Teacher Identity

Teacher identity information.

1. Teacher Identity GROW model for mentoring Review of Learning for Teaching - Workshop April 2018 Dr Bronwyn Hegarty

2. Teacher Identity Photo by  Gabriel Sanchez  on  Unsplash Photo by  Sam Mgrdichian  on  Unsplash Photo by  Julian Paul  on  Unsplash

3. Definition of teacher identity “Teacher professional identity stands at the core of the teaching profession. It provides a framework for teachers to construct their own ideas of ‘how to be’, ‘how to act’ and ‘how to understand’ their work and their place in society. Importantly, teacher identity is not something that is fixed nor is it imposed; rather it is negotiated through experience and the sense that is made of that experience (Sachs, 2005, p. 15)” (cited in Beauchamp & Thomas, 2009, p. 175).

4. What shapes teacher identity? Self-concept – belief about who you are as a person. Beliefs, values and assumptions about the profession of teaching. Emotion and reflection on practice. Professional influences. Teachers’ stories and discussions with others. Awareness of your teacher identity will give you the confidence to influence change in your organisation and in the profession.

5. Why is a teacher identity important? “Developing an identity as a teacher is an important part of securing teachers’ commitment to their work and adherence to professional norms… the identities teachers develop shape their dispositions, where they place their effort, whether and how they seek out professional development opportunities, and what obligations they see as intrinsic to their role ( Hammerness , Darling-Hammond, & Bransford , 2005, pp. 383–384)” (cited in Beauchamp & Thomas, 2009, p. 184.)

6. Reflection Write notes about your teacher identity (5 min). Add these to your learning journal later.

7. GROW model for mentoring G oal - What are you trying to achieve? R eality - What is currently going on? O ptions - What could you do? W ill - What will you do? Activity (30 min): using the GROW model as mentor or mentee. Work in pairs. Use the instructions on the handout to begin the silent coaching session. Work through the four sets of questions. Make a time to complete the activity later on so you can swap roles.

8. References Beauchamp, C. & Thomas, L. (2009 ) Understanding teacher identity: an overview of issues in the literature and implications for teacher education. Cambridge Journal of Education, 39 (2), 175-189. DOI : 10.1080/03057640902902252 Harris-Worthington, P. (2009).  Mentor Training Resource . Ako Aotearoa .