Novice Teachers Research Articles

Beginning Teachers Navigating Identity Development Transitions: Identity Motives and Commitment to Teaching

Beginning teachers (preservice and novice) must develop a resilient professional identity, yet high early attrition rates indicate the need for additional support in this process. Many attrition studies focus on external factors; few address teacher identity. According to developmental psychologists, identity commitments are concretized in a stepwise process, first by tentatively making them, and then by evaluating them. Most preservice and novice teachers are in a transitional stage, as they explore whether tentative commitments fit their sense of self. Our research tests the proposition that such exploration is often focused on determining whether a teaching career will satisfy their identity motives. We interviewed and collected self-reported written stories from 154 interns and novice teachers. Participants discussed their career choice in an initial interview and in a questionnaire focusing on recent, identity-relevant significant events administered at three points in time over a year. These career choice and written, field-based significant event stories underwent content analysis for the presence of identity motives, guided by a codebook developed for this research. This paper describes two central and innovative findings. First, identity motives are, indeed, present and highly salient in teachers’ career deliberations. Secondly, we found that beginning teachers express motives differentially, vary in the salience they accord the motives, and explore motives differently according to situational context. This differentiation in focus may indicate important shifting priorities and challenges as participants navigate the transition to the field. Taken together, these findings suggest that understanding and addressing identity motives in teacher development may enable more personalized and responsive tools that support teacher retention.

Positive emotional experiences and professional identity formation in novice preschool teachers in Taiwan

ABSTRACT This study explored the nexus between professional identity and the emotional experiences arising from comprehending children’s perspectives among seven Taiwanese novice preschool teachers. Thematic analysis was applied to assess drawings, photos, and individual interviews from the teachers. The study found that when novice preschool teachers comprehend children's perspectives on learning, teachers, and caring, it leads to positive emotional experiences. These experiences, in turn, shape their professional identities, enabling them to evolve as learners, scaffolders, role models, and creators of a nurturing environment. Furthermore, it emphasized the significance of these positive emotional experiences in affecting the novice preschool teachers ‘professional identity development and well-being. The study offered recommendation on how school contexts can support novice teachers in fostering positive emotions, and on how teacher education can shape teachers’ professional identity through awareness of positive emotional experiences.

Understanding Professional Identity Through Pedagogical love: A Case of a Mentoring Dyad in Turkey

In this article, how a mentee’s developing professional identity is reflected in the use of pedagogical strategies is explored through the mentor teacher’s lens. Although mentoring relationships have traditionally focused on improving mentee teachers’ teaching repertoire, unstructured affective processes involved as a result of the mentoring relationship have received limited attention. As being mentored to teach is intrinsically an effective process, this study situates the mentee’s use of pedagogical strategies as a reflection of the developing professional identity within the pedagogy of love framework. Within the scope of the framework, how the mentee teacher utilizes her understanding of the pedagogical authority of the mentor teacher to develop her professional identity is reflected in the transformational role of pedagogical love. The mentee teacher steps into a self-actualization journey in which empathy, building trusting platforms for learning, and developing novice teacher intuition during the novel pedagogical encounters take precedence.

Balancing the scale: Investigating the effect of frontloading and backloading salary structures on teacher turnover

This study investigates the impact of frontloading salary structures (higher early-career salaries) on teacher turnover using data from South Carolina public school districts in the U.S. from FY2014- FY2023. Employing a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, the analysis reveals that frontloading salary schedules is associated with lower turnover among novice teachers but have a less pronounced effect on seasoned educators. The study highlights that the impact of frontloading varies by district demographics and teacher qualifications. Results indicate that higher experience premiums for early-career teachers can increase turnover when compared to mid-career premiums, suggesting a need for balanced salary structures, targeted financial incentives.

Novice EFL Teachers’ Belief and Emotional Regulation in Response to Students’ Misbehaviors in the Classrooms

This research report shares the findings that emerged from a qualitative study in which the main objective was to discover whether or not novice EFL teachers regulate their negative emotions during their initial teaching practice and, if so, how they do this. Semi-structured interviews, recorded classroom observations, collected the data, stimulated recall interviews, and wrote journals for reflections and explanations of why they expressed and regulated their emotions in those incidents. The participants were three novice teachers who have been teaching English at the same university for about five years. Data collection of student-teacher interaction was carried out during their teaching. The research findings reveal that teachers often experience negative emotions triggered by students' conduct in the classroom, such as discipline issues, lack of engagement, and incorrect responses. Teachers successfully used techniques to redirect their attention and reassess the situation to counteract annoyance and disappointment. Ultimately, these strategies replaced negative emotions with a new outlook through substitute teaching activities. These observations provide EFL teachers with insightful advice on dealing with negative emotions effectively, resulting in a more positive classroom atmosphere where English is taught.

The impact of training provisions on novice English language teachers in Hong Kong: A systematic review

AbstractThe early years of learning and the transition period are important for novice teachers. This systematic review investigated the influence that training provisions for novice primary and secondary English language teachers in Hong Kong have had on their initial workplace experience. From a large body of literature dated between 1980 and 2023, a final set of 20 articles that met our inclusion criteria was analysed using Kumaravadivelu's (2012) model of second language teacher education (consisting of the five modules of Knowing, Analysing, Recognising, Doing and Seeing). The findings were condensed into three thematic strands: (i) teacher authority: novice teachers can feel lost among different authorities (including ideological conflicts between university and school authorities) and their desire to establish their own teacher authority, but must eventually learn to think from the students' perspective to improve teaching, (ii) teacher socialisation: whether obtaining sufficient colleague and mentor support or not would lead to their diverse experiences, and (iii) two weaknesses in teacher preparation that require attention across both university preparation and in‐school training: the novice teachers were under‐prepared in procedural knowledge and in learning to theorize. These findings provide internationally relevant theoretical contributions that can advance the understanding of both novice teacher development and primary and secondary English language teacher training. From a practical perspective, the findings point to areas that need attention in novice language teachers' transition to the workplace and this may be relatable to international audiences. Context and implicationsRationale for this studyThis systematic review aims to reveal how the training provisions in Hong Kong have influenced early‐year primary and secondary school English language teachers' initial workplace experience.Why the new findings matterOur findings will reveal what impact training provisions for novice English language teachers may have on their initial workplace experience and what gaps may exist in such provisions.Implications for researchers, practitioners and teacher educatorsThe findings in this study can be applied to many other contexts like Hong Kong where English is used as one of the official languages or as a second language. Our recommendations can inform English language teacher education, by highlighting: (a) how novice teachers can feel lost between two different authorities: the school and the university; (b) how novice teachers can undergo a range of positive and negative experiences in their socialisation process; (c) how novice teachers struggle to develop their procedural knowledge; and (d) that novice teachers may not have received enough support in theory‐building.

Development novice teachers’ higher-order thinking skills through online problem-based learning platform: A mixed methods experimental research

One key competency in teaching profession is the ability to think at a higher level. Therefore, it is important to understand how to develop and refine effective training approaches for novice teachers. This study examined the novice teachers’ higher-order thinking skills development through online problem-based learning platform and analyzed the level of novice teachers’ higher-order thinking skills. The research involved 57 novice teachers participating in the research for learning development courses. The mixed method experimental design was employed in this study. Data were collected by using multiple choice tests and self-report reflective thinking forms. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze novice teachers’ HOTS. The t-test was conducted to evaluate mean differences among the novice teachers’ HOTS. Content analysis was used to code and categorize themes and pattern of HOTS perception. Results revealed that novice teachers have shown improvement in higher-order thinking skills include the problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking sub-skills through online problem-based learning approach. Their proficiency in HOTS significantly increased, t(57) = 17.72, p .001, with a high portion achieving advanced levels. Furthermore, they gained the positive perspective in employing online PBL for HOTS development.

Emotional intelligence development predicts novice teachers’ professional identity, teaching enthusiasm, and teacher-student relationships: the mediation of positive teacher emotions

ABSTRACT Teacher development involves the dynamic interplay between emotional intelligence and emotions. While previous research links these factors with their professional identity, teaching enthusiasm, and teacher-student relationships, the development characteristics of emotional intelligence and emotions remain unexplored in relation to these outcomes. In a two-year study with 357 novice teachers, emotional intelligence and emotions were tracked thrice. Data on professional identity, enthusiasm, and teacher-student relationships were collected at the final assessment. Latent growth curve modelling results revealed that only positive emotions, not negative ones, mediate the connection. Specifically, the initial level of positive emotions mediated the link between the initial level of emotional intelligence and teaching enthusiasm, professional identity, and teacher-student relationships. The growth rate of positive emotions notably mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and professional identity, teaching enthusiasm, and teacher-student relationships. These findings offer new insights into the development of teachers’ emotional intelligence, emotions, and professional growth.

Reflective teaching in Ethiopian secondary schools: examining teachers’ characteristics and engagement

ABSTRACT This quantitative study surveyed 361 secondary school teachers in South and Central Ethiopia to examine their engagement in reflective teaching and its relationship with gender, qualification, and teaching experience. The study used descriptive survey design and structured questionnaire to collect data. Results indicated that teachers had minimal overall engagement in reflective teaching. Results also showed insignificant difference between male and female teachers’ engagement in reflective teaching. However, there were significant differences in teachers’ engagement in terms of their qualification and teaching experience. In this regard, teachers with Bachelor of Education had the highest level of engagement, followed by Master’s and Applied degree holders. In addition, mid-career teachers had the highest level of engagement, exceeding the level both novice and veteran teachers had. The findings suggest the need to revisit existing pre-service teacher education programme, identify teachers’ engagement patterns, identify their specific needs, design and run tailored in-service professional development programmes, and establish support system to promote reflective teaching in Ethiopian secondary schools. Most importantly, the findings suggest the need for teachers to actually engage in reflective teaching in their professional contexts.

Metacognitive instruction: central aspects of pre-service and novice in-service teachers’ knowledge and professional development

ABSTRACT This study addressed the challenges faced by pre- and novice in-service teachers coping with metacognition in the context of teaching higher order thinking (HOT). Our purpose was to reveal and characterize the participants’ metacognitive knowledge and pertinent pedagogical knowledge. We followed pre- and novice in-service teachers who participated in a preparation course for teaching HOT and metacognition, examining both their planning for and actual application of metacognitive instruction in the classroom. We used mainly qualitative research methods, including an open-ended questionnaire, and a thematic analysis of lesson plans, classroom observations, and interviews. we found that most of the participants were able to apply the knowledge studied in the course to develop new learning activities aimed at promoting students’ metacognitive thinking. Novice teachers were also able to apply metacognitive instruction in their classrooms. Participants tended to integrate metacognitive instruction in familiar, traditional teaching patterns rather than in more progressive ones and exhibited several additional challenges that are specific to metacognitive instruction. The implications for preparing and supporting prospective and beginning teachers for metacognitive instruction are discussed.

What are the needs of beginning teachers in primary education and how can mentors help them?

Beginning teachers face numerous challenges when entering the profession. Their needs range from classroom management to emotional support, and mentors play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. This article explores the primary needs of novice teachers and how effective mentoring can help them navigate their first years in primary education. Drawing on both international research and Romanian educational practices, this paper highlights the importance of structured, supportive mentorship programs in shaping successful teaching careers.

Teacher Induction Policy Development and Implementation: A Case of Ontario’s New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP)

Attrition and turnover among early career teachers (ECTs) have garnered the attention of policymakers and educational leaders across Canada. However, due to provincial/territorial responsibility for education in Canada, teacher induction efforts to keep novice teachers in the profession depend on school system structures and policies specific to given jurisdictions. This article describes an in-depth policy analysis of the development and implementation of Ontario’s New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP). Using a policy document analysis methodology, the review of the induction policy mandates, program evaluations, and empirical studies highlights the NTIP’s organization and scope, the stakeholders’ roles, duties, and responsibilities, the programmatic impacts, and the challenges associated with its implementation. The article concludes with implications for policy development and implementation as well as for the practice of supporting ECTs.

An analysis of classroom management challenges to the novice elementary school teachers in Islamabad, Pakistan

This study analysed the classroom management challenges faced by novice Elementary School Teachers (ESTs) who joined the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), Islamabad, in 2022. The physical, administrative and individual challenges of the classroom were studied. Using a quantitative approach, the research focused on 661 ESTs, consisting of 249 males and 412 females. A stratified sample of 248 teachers (95 males, 153 females) was selected, and data were collected via a self-developed questionnaire. Experts confirmed the instrument’s validity and reliability were measured with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.885. Data analysis revealed that novice teachers face several challenges, including limited classroom space, insufficient furniture, and inadequate resources for science labs. They also face challenges in maintaining discipline, disruptive behaviour, and irrelevant questions from students. Furthermore, individual differences among students due to varying IQ levels, learning interests, and socio-economic backgrounds proved challenging. Overcrowded classrooms hinder novice teachers' ability to focus and provide individual attention. The study concluded that heads of educational institutions must offer consistent guidance and support to newly appointed ESTs, especially during their first year, to improve classroom management skills.

초임 유아교사의 페다고지 생성 과정 경험에 관한 내러티브 탐구: 공립 유치원 교사를 중심으로

This study aims to explore the experiences of novice early childhood teachers in the process of generating pedagogy in public kindergartens. Individual interviews and focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using narrative inquiry. The research results are as follows. First, all teachers experienced anxiety and growing pains in new situations but showed a strong desire for self-growth. Mentoring and experiences led to new perceptions of young children, shifting their educational practices toward play-based and child-centered approaches. Second, teachers naturally developed their pedagogy while implementing the curriculum, focusing on children's learning through play. They formed important relationships with senior teachers, peers, children, and educational materials, which influenced their practices. Based on the research results, we discussed the need to view and support novice early childhood teachers as being in the process of ontological ‘becoming’ through their unique practices. We also discussed the necessity of educational approaches that positively impact teachers' practices, in connection with early childhood teacher training programs and professional learning communities.

A Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Professional Development for Increasing the Art and Science Content Knowledge of Novice and Experienced Elementary Science Teachers

A Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Professional Development for Increasing the Art and Science Content Knowledge of Novice and Experienced Elementary Science Teachers

Unearthing Vulnerability and Resilience of Novice EFL Teachers in Shaping Their Professional Identity

This study explored the experiences of novice English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in both formal education (FE) and non-formal education (NFE) settings, with a focus on professional identity development. It examined how these experiences contribute to the formation of their professional identity with the research question: What is the impact of vulnerability and resilience on the professional identity development of novice EFL teachers in both FE and NFE settings? This qualitative research adopted a descriptive narrative approach. Data collection was through interviews and literature review. The data collected was analysed through the use of coding and triangulation techniques. Four novice EFL teachers, two of the FE teachers and two of the NFE teachers were selected to participate in this research. The findings identified four impacts of vulnerability and resilience on professional identity development of novice EFL teachers; 1) self awareness, 2) adabtability to challenges, 3) institutional support, and 4) professional commitment.

The unintended consequences of merit-based teacher selection: Evidence from a large-scale reform in Colombia

Teacher quality is a key factor in improving student academic achievement. As such, educational policymakers strive to design systems to hire the most effective teachers. This paper examines the effects of a national policy reform in Colombia that established a merit-based teacher-hiring system intended to enhance teacher quality and improve student learning. Implemented in 2005 for all public schools, the policy ties teacher-hiring decisions to candidates’ performance on an exam evaluating subject-specific knowledge and teaching aptitude. The implementation of the policy led to many experienced contract teachers being replaced by high exam-performing novice teachers. We find that though the policy sharply increased pre-college test scores of teachers, it also decreased the overall stock of teacher experience and led to sharp decreases in students’ exam performance and educational attainment. Using a difference-in-differences strategy to compare the outcomes of students from public and private schools over two decades, we show that the hiring reform decreased students’ performance on high school exit exams by 8 percent of a standard deviation, and reduced the likelihood that students enroll in and graduate from college by more than 10 percent. The results underscore that relying exclusively on specific ex ante measures of teacher quality to screen candidates, particularly at the expense of teacher experience, may unintentionally reduce students’ learning gains.

Reflective Story on Diversity and Inclusive Education

This reflective article explores the current scenario of diversity and inclusion through the narration of a deaf ethnic child. Self-reflection is taken as an instrument for behavioural modification since the author is aware of its significance in education. This study aims to explore the experiences and implementation of inclusive education through the author's personal teaching experiences. The article employs a reflective narration of the author working as a novice teacher in a school exercising to incorporate deaf children into mainstream courses. The emphasis is on Krishna, a Dalit youngster with hearing difficulties, who had challenges in adaptation owing to cultural, social and educational obstacles. The results showed the obstacles encountered by such children who had to face social isolation, communication obstacles and insufficient educator training. The author's intervention in Krishna's metamorphosis underscores the necessity of helpful learning environments. The article links Krishna's experiences to wider socio-economic and cultural challenges, indicating that inclusive education is necessary for structural reforms in teacher training, cultural sensitivity and familial support. The results underscore the necessity of embracing diversity and enacting effective inclusive education policies to cultivate equal learning environments for all children.

Mobility of novice teachers

ABSTRACT Teacher recruitment is a persistent challenge, particularly in small and rural communities. This paper examines the probability that newly qualified teachers enter a teaching position in their home region and a range of individual and regional factors. Using rich longitudinal data from Norwegian administrative registers, we find that several individual and local characteristics matter for the mobility of novice teachers. On average, entering teaching positions in the home region is most common for females, individuals with low-educated parents, and individuals with relatively low grade point averages from their academic studies. Moreover, the probability of entering a teaching position in the home region is positively associated with the region’s population, but independent of whether a teacher education institution is located in the home region. Overall, the results suggest that the types of teachers that are underrepresented in schools have the lowest attachment to the teaching profession and their home region.

Innovative Nursing Faculty Education for Novice Educators.

The nursing faculty shortage in the United States affects enrollment of qualified nursing applicants. The gap may be filled by contracting with clinical nursing experts who often lack the content knowledge as academic nurse educators. Such content includes management of the classroom, evaluation, and legal issues. This article describes a course to provide new faculty with essential information for classroom teaching. Nursing faculty were recruited from multiple education programs and enrolled in one of three sections of a course for new educators. Learners completed activities related to curriculum, evaluation, and academic roles. Focus group evaluations were conducted. Themes emerged related to classroom teaching, learning experiences, improved understanding of nursing education, and knowledge for the scope of nursing faculty responsibilities. Each course provided experience in nursing education pedagogy and practice. Learners developed a wider array of teaching expertise and awareness of the faculty role in the classroom. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(X):XXX-XXX.].