A Study on the Identity of Korean Teachers in the COVID-19

This study investigates the evolving identity of Korean teachers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to stimulate educational discourse and societal awareness regarding the image of teachers in this transformative period. Traditionally, society viewed teachers as well-rounded individuals with professional expertise and exemplary character. However, the modern concept of teacher identity encompasses a more dynamic individual who evolves through experience and introspection. The pandemic has further complicated this identity, demanding that teachers possess technical expertise to adapt to the new educational landscape.Through in-depth interviews with Korean language teachers, we uncover a multifaceted and dynamic identity. Teachers see themselves as professional language educators with deep knowledge of Korean, extensive knowledge in the humanities and liberal arts, counselors who support learners' psychological well-being, and managers of artificial intelligence who can effectively utilize and collaborate with AI. This study's findings reveal the multi-layered and dynamic nature of teacher identity in the COVID-19 era, emphasizing its ongoing transformation in response to societal trends.