Teacher educators: concept, contexts and perspectives of action in teaching induction processes

Abstract

The objective of this article is to contribute to the reflection around the figure of the school trainer, examining the nature and specificities of his work, the role and the perspectives of this professional's performance in the induction processes of beginning teachers. The text is presented in the form of a theoretical essay, in dialogue with authors who have been discussing these issues. The discussion was supported by studies on teacher educators who work in continuing education, within schools or education systems. The studies pointed out the complexity and relevance of this function in the professional development process of teachers and in the search for the qualification of teaching processes. Teacher educators are essential figures in the process of induction of novice teachers, with the responsibility of developing the welcoming and support actions necessary for beginners, in order to create a gradual insertion in culture and in the professional group. From the analysis of the different studies included in the text, some aspects to be considered are highlighted, in order to contribute to the development of initiatives in the design of induction processes for beginning teachers.