One story amongst many

Abstract

This study makes use of an autobiographical account to draw attention to some of the traditions, histories and cultures that position women primary teachers and their work. The writer begins with a rationale for autobiographical writing, with reference to readings of autobiographical writing and discussions of the relationship between the individual and society. There follows an autobiographical account of the writer's own formation as a primary teacher, which highlights pertinent issues in relation to perceptions of primary teachers, namely, career choice, child‐centred pedagogy and the metaphor “teacher as mother”. A case is then made for engaging teachers, in particular student teachers, in detailed autobiographical reflection to help them to make sense of their professional lives and to further their professional development.