Abstract
Identity development in writing is a unique process. While many studies have explored the process of developing a professional identity among future teachers, few studies have investigated how teacher candidates develop a writing teacher’s identity. This study explores the development and negotiation of writing teacher identity among 21 pre-service multiple-subject teacher candidates at a large public institution in California. More specifically, the study examines the students’ journeys as they transformed from students of writing in a university methods course to student teachers of writing in a local school district. Our findings indicate that the use of a sociocultural-based approach to teaching writing in a university method’s course conflicted with the use of a skills-based mandated curriculum used in local districts. Nonetheless, within this space of conflict, teacher candidates began to determine how to merge the two approaches, understand potential limitations and develop a pedagogical toolbox thus, renegotiating their identities as future writing teachers. We provide recommendations that teacher educators may use to assist teacher candidates and developing effective writing pedagogy while utilizing a mandated curriculum.
Recommended Citation
Collier, Shartriya M.; Scheld, Suzanne; Barnard, Ian; and Stallcup, Jackie
(2015)
"The Negotiation and Development of Writing Teacher Identities in Elementary Education,"
Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education: Vol. 4:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/wte/vol4/iss2/6
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Higher Education Commons, Rhetoric and Composition Commons, Secondary Education and Teaching Commons