The Road Less Traveled: Novice Nontraditional Teacher Educators' Identity (Re)Construction in Higher Education

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Analyzing the Work of Teacher Educators: Research, Supervision, and Practice

Abstract

This study explores two novice nontraditional teacher educators’ identity (re)construction in the higher education context in Hong Kong. Informed by self-discrepancy theory and possible selves theory and drawing on data from in-depth interviews, field observation, and informal communication, the findings demonstrate how the two novice teacher educators, without formal school teaching experience, enacted and transformed various forms of identities (actual, ideal, ought and feared) influenced by their personal beliefs and aspirations as well as contextual demands in higher education. The findings provide insights into the under-researched area of nontraditional teacher educators’ professional development and offer implications on preparing and developing effective and committed teacher educators.

Authors

• Rui Yuan, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Icy Lee, The Chinese University of Hong Kong