INTERFACE BETWEEN THE PREVAILING SOCIETAL STEREOTYPES AND THE FORMATION OF FUTURE TEACHERS' PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY

Abstract

The relevance of the article is based on a scientific and practical problem related to the teaching profession, which is not the most popular in Lithuania, but a number of young people decide to become educators. It is a complex process during which a future teacher tries to define his/her role and essence. This paper presents the results of an empirical study and their analysis, which aims to reveal how stereotypes in society affect the professional identity of future teachers. The theoretical analysis and the results of the empirical study show that the main factors influencing the teacher's image are the teacher's communication style, relations with pupils and reforms in the education system. Although stereotypes are not a major barrier to a future career, most of the education students in the study build their professional identity through self-confidence and intrinsic motivation. Respondents also emphasise that their desire to enter the teaching profession is driven by inner determination and personal expectations and a desire to share knowledge.