What can the self-conscious emotion of guilt tell us about primary school teachers’ moral purpose and the relationships they have with their pupils?

Abstract

Based on interviews and adopting and phenomenological approach this article explores primary school teachers’ experiences of guilt. Teachers described feeling guilty when they held themselves responsible for having let down or upset their pupils and on occasion their colleagues. Some teachers also recalled experiencing guilt when some of their pupils felt distressed without actually blaming themselves for their actions. The findings demonstrate the strong moral purpose that underpins teachers’ beliefs and practice and the close personal relationship that they have with their pupils.

Keywords:

• emotions
• teachers
• guilt
• moral purpose
• teacher–pupil relationships