Identidad profesional de profesores jóvenes de lengua inglesa. El caso de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas

Abstract

Abstract This paper analyzes the process of identity construction experienced by a group of beginner teachers of English working at a public university in Northeastern Mexico. In order to achieve this objective, a case study that includes the combination of life histories and document analysis is used. The analysis of the collected evidence shed light on the existing relationship between the participants lived experiences in their personal, educational and professional contexts as well as their professional identities. The results show the way in which different factors such as their educational transitions, their identification with the English language, their learning experiences in their teacher training programs, and the professional culture that prevails in their teaching context both interact and shape their professional identities and sense of belonging to the institution. The paper concludes with a discussion on the uncover implications for teacher training, policy making and research.