Educator versus subject matter teacher: the conflict between two sub-identities in becoming a teacher

Research literature often addresses the problems entailed in the integration of beginning teachers within the education system. Most studies emphasize the conflicts these teachers experience, especially between the personal and professional aspects of their profession. We conducted qualitative research among participants and graduates of the Program for Excellence in Teaching at a teachers’ college in Jerusalem, Israel, revealing another conflict. In determining their professional identity, beginning teachers face a dilemma between two sub-identities: the teacher as a subject matter and didactic expert and the teacher as a homeroom educator. We characterize these two sub-identities and analyze their implications for teacher training programs.