The contrasting discourses in the professional lives of educators in Vancouver, Canada |
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| Authors: | Peter P Grimmett Diane Dagenais Laura D’Amico Marianne Jacquet Roumi Ilieva |
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| Institution: | (1) Institute for Studies in Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6 |
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| Abstract: | This study investigated the relationship between education policy changes and the working conditions of teachers and school
leaders in Vancouver, Canada. We found that policy does shape educators’ discourse about their work conditions. This shaping
manifested itself in the emotions teachers experience as they attempt to construct their identity as professional educators.
Apparent contradictions emerged in educators’ discussions of their work conditions, particularly their contrasting reports
of feeling satisfied with their working environment, yet concerned about issues related to workload and recognition. Two different
discourses, the political and the professional, emerged at a deep level of practice. These discourses express conflicting
emotions about teaching and teachers’ identity struggles in a context of rapid policy changes. The political discourse is
framed around a partisan response to policy changes. The professional discourse focuses on engagement in satisfying educational
activities. This study proffers a different conclusion to other studies implying a lack of understanding of practice by policy
reformers. It suggests that, while teachers are very aware of policy changes, frequently engaging in a partisan critique thereof,
they nevertheless temper that critique with a professional discourse shaped by pedagogical concerns in the local context.
This concern with the classroom context enables them to focus their energies on constructing their sense of professional identity
that frequently leads them to reinterpret policy initiatives from a local educator’s perspective. While the political discourse
has trappings of despair, the professional–pedagogical contains glimpses of hope.
We wish to express our appreciation of the work of Barbara Waldern in the analysis that supports the findings about the professional
lives of educators. |
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| Keywords: | Policy change Professional lives Work conditions/concerns Educators’ emotions Educators’ discourses |
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