Exploring Career Change Transitions through a Dialogic Conceptualization of Science Teacher Identity

Research into the construct of science teacher identity has gained momentum over the past decade in an effort to achieve a more comprehensive, holistic understanding of teacher learning and development. As yet few studies have examined the unique identity challenges of science teacher career changers. A dialogical approach to the conceptualization of teacher identity informed this longitudinal, qualitative study exploring the different identity aspects, or I-positions, of two individuals who had changed careers to teach high-school biology. The study identified moments of disequilibrium experienced by the participants and explored how they each eventually restored equilibrium. Analysis included tabulation of data using preliminary categories of multiplicity and unity, discontinuity and continuity, social and individual, and the participants' internal negotiations. Findings revealed various I-positions and the disequilibrium that resulted as competing I-positions emerged during participants' transition to a new career in teaching. However, there was also a common theme of participants eventually integrating these competing I-positions in an effort to find unity and continuity. The need for teacher preparation programs to support career changers in negotiating I-position conflicts such that they do not become insurmountable is discussed. Implications of depicting identity from a developmental perspective are offered for teacher preparation programs as well as teacher education research.

Automated summary

Research on science teacher identity has been increasing in the past decade to gain a more comprehensive understanding of teacher learning and development. Few studies have focused on the unique challenges faced by science teacher career changers. This study used a dialogical approach to explore how individuals who changed careers to teach biology in high school negotiated their different identity aspects and restored equilibrium. Findings showed the emergence of competing I-positions during the transition, but participants eventually integrated these positions to find unity and continuity. The importance of supporting career changers in managing identity conflicts is discussed, along with implications for teacher preparation programs and education research.