Published: 2023-09-01

MILESTONES IN THE PROFESSIONAL CAREER – THE STUDY OF MATURE TEACHERS

Elżbieta Strutyńska-Laskus
Pedagogical Forum
Section: Articles and essays
https://doi.org/10.21697/fp.2023.1.11

Abstract

In the article, I address the topic of the significance of milestones in career development, as seen from the perspective of mature teachers. By milestones, I mean emotionally significant turning points associated with some significant event for the teacher, clearly separating one career phase from the next. These significant events lead to changes in the approach to the teaching profession.

The presented analyses are based on 14 in-depth interviews (IDI) with female teachers who have long-standing experience in school (minimum 20 years) and are over 50 years old. I used thematic analysis in the research to identify recurring thematic threads in the teachers' statements regarding emotionally significant turning points; the effects on career development can be positive and/or harmful. The data was coded using the inductive approach. I conducted a qualitative data analysis using the MAXQDA 2020 program.

Based on the content of the collected material, I identified two categories of thematic threads leading to changes in the functioning of the participating teachers' professional work. The first indicates the role of emotionally significant unplanned events independent of the teacher and resulting from objective or subjective external circumstances. The second relates to emotionally significant planned events/actions that depend on the teacher and are associated with internal factors.

The research reveals a picture of "positive" and "negative" milestones that are significant for teachers' functioning in their roles. Knowing the negative ones can contribute to counteracting the negative emotions accompanying a teacher's daily work, including burnout.

Keywords:

milestones, mature teacher, professional career

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Citation rules

Strutyńska-Laskus, E. (2023). MILESTONES IN THE PROFESSIONAL CAREER – THE STUDY OF MATURE TEACHERS. Pedagogical Forum, 13(1), 151–167. https://doi.org/10.21697/fp.2023.1.11

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