Teacher professional identity: a systematic review study

Abstract

The present study is a systematic review of literature focused on the empirical studies conducted about teacher's Professional Identity. The research used electronic databases (ISI Web of Knowledge, ERIC, SPORTDiscus and SCOPUS ) in peer review articles, published between 2001 and 2011. The research equations used were "Professional Identity" AND "teacher", in Title and "Professional Identity" AND "Teacher" AND "Physical Education", in Abstract. After applied the inclusion criteria's 42 articles were integrated. Content analysis was used with categories defined a priori: 1) focus of the study; 2) year and place of publication; 3) objectives; 4) participants; 5) instruments and 6) main conclusions. The results showed an increase in research in the professional identity and in qualitative methodologies. The professional development was pointed as a central element in the process of professional identity (re)construction. The research in Physical Education teachers is still scarce.