Abstract

LUZURIAGA, Mariana; PODESTA, María Eugenia  and  FURMAN, Melina. Autobiographies and Career Choices of Natural Science Teachers. REDIE [online]. 2023, vol.25, e14.  Epub June 26, 2023. ISSN 1607-4041.  https://doi.org/10.24320/redie.2023.25.e14.4332.

Teachers’ autobiographies are key to understanding their career choices. Thematic content analysis was employed to explore the formative experiences of 70 Argentinian teachers of natural sciences pursuing a graduate degree. Their formative experiences occurred most commonly (43%) in high school, and notably, 40% of these high school experiences were described as “negative.” The results revealed three types of role model: “lighthouse” teachers, who sparked an interest in sciences or teaching; “inspirational” teachers, role models in the way they taught; and “anti-models,” whose lead the teachers hope not to follow. The findings also highlighted the importance of secondary education as a defining stage of career paths, and a need for role models that promote teaching as a career choice, in particular in areas where there is a shortage of teachers, as is the case in science.

Keywords : autobiographies; secondary school teachers; career choice; Natural sciences.