Challenges and Support for the Development of Novice Teachers’ Professional Identities

Abstract

Teaching profession requires teachers to be prepared with skills and knowledge to overcome challenges related to subject matter, students, colleagues and personal matters. In order to become an outstanding teacher, one has to undergo formal as well as informal professional development experiences. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by novice teachers and the sources they turned to in order to resolve these challenges. The research participants were three novice teachers who are currently in their first two years of teaching experience. The data were mainly collected using semi-structured interviews with each participant. With the assistance of NVivo software, the data were coded using a thematic analysis approach. The findings indicate that novice teachers not only struggle with their own lack of skills, but are also burdened with students' negative attitudes and difficulties in the environment in which they work. The main supportive elements found to be helping these teachers in solving their problems are support from senior colleagues and family, and information available on the Internet.

The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Enhancing of Teacher's Professional Learning Community: A Conceptual Paper

“…Chua et al (2020) found the benefits of PLC among teachers. This parallels the findings of Fariza and Hazrati (2019) findings that PLC is very suitable and effective in supporting novice teachers in dealing with problems and difficulties in classroom learning through sharing sessions with more experienced and skilled teachers. School leaders should create a learning culture by applying transformational leadership.…”

Novice Teachers Socialization: Issues and Challenges

“…Novice teachers' first years of a job are often a difficult period for them, as many of them feel ineffective, and insecure and are left isolated with no support or guidance from experienced teachers and school heads, which affects their job performance. Concluded by Khalid & Husnin (2019) found that the main supportive elements found to help these teachers in solving their problems are support from senior teachers, colleagues, and family, and information available on the internet.…”