‘What's the Essence of This Profession?’ Spanish Teacher Educators' Post‐Pandemic Conceptualizations of Work, Pre‐Service Teachers and Emotions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper reports on an interpretive phenomenological study that examined the lived experiences of teacher educators in Spain. Responding to a lack of research on teacher educators, the study sought to make sense of the participants' work in the current, post‐pandemic context. A framework that emphasized the dialectical relationship between agency and structures was used to interpret the participants' narratives. Three themes emerged to illustrate the essence of their work: wrestling with complex changes in students; responding to new technologies; and expanding their knowledge and instructional practices in teacher preparation. The participants also described a range of emotions that arose in response to these issues, which served as a thread across the themes. Implications and recommendations are discussed, including a stronger focus on well‐being for teacher educators and pre‐service teachers, additional professional learning opportunities and dedicated time and space for international and cross‐institutional work among teacher educators.
Source: European Journal of Education
DOI: 10.1111/ejed.70742
Authors: Beth A. Wassell, María Fernández Hawrylak
Institutions: Rowan University, Universidad de Burgos
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,350
OpenAlex ID: W7166506750