Crossing institutional boundaries

Abstract

This chapter begins by reflecting on influential narratives about the formation of English teachers, most notably the story that they are inspired to join the profession by their desire to instil in their pupils a love of literature. Their love of literature (so the story goes) has been instilled in them by their own education and upbringing, often featuring an English teacher whom they themselves found inspirational. Although this story has been pervasive, and arguably still figures within the professional discourse of English teachers, we ask whether it adequately represents the professional identity of the early career teachers who have participated in our project. The stories they have t..