‘Endless patience and a strong belief in what makes a good teacher’: teacher educators in post-compulsory education in England and their professional situation

Abstract

This research explores the professional situation of teacher educators in post-compulsory education. The article reports on a project that included the largest online survey of this particular group to date, and the results provide rich insights into their values, experiences and particular working context. The results significantly extend our understanding of the characteristics and beliefs of this under-researched professional community, and they have a powerful resonance as we move into a new era for UK teacher education.

Keywords:

• further education
• teacher development
• teacher training
• teacher education
• initial teacher education
• trainee teachers
• professional development
• teachers