The Development of Professional Self‐concept

This paper re‐analyses data originally gathered as part of a longitudinal study of entrants to teaching in an effort to isolate the conditions which affect the development of a strong professional self‐concept. Differences were found between primary and secondary student teachers. For primary specialists, teaching practice had become the dominant influence in the development of their conceptions of themselves as teachers. Their academic courses were regarded unfavourably as not helpful in their professional development. Secondary specialists viewed their college courses very favourably as the foundation on which their development as teachers during teaching practice was based. Associate teachers in schools had their greatest influence on self‐concept development when they provided a climate marked by autonomy for the student teacher backed up by support and advice.