Constructing Identity in the Time of Coronavirus: Reading as Recovery. Issue 3 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Torres-Ryan, Louise
• Is Part Of: Changing English. Volume 29:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: Coronavirus -- teacherly identity -- reading -- recovery -- change -- stories; English literature -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; English language -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 410
• DOI: 10.1080/1358684X.2022.2048950
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1358-684X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: How does a beginning teacher go about constructing a teacherly identity in a pandemic? How does one reconcile what might be with what is, as dictated by the rhetoric of a neoliberal government, which prizes the individual mind over the collective one, the product over the process, and results over relationships? This essay explores these questions through the experience of reading Jane Eyre with a Year 9 English class. Personal and professional stories form the core of this investigation that explores the complexities of finding a teacherly identity; this is a discussion about aims and values and relationships, rather than just 'effective' teaching strategies.