The value of narratives in language teacher´s professional development

Abstract

A story or narrative is considered an authentic tool for revealing a storyteller?s inner and professional world, giving meaning to a wealth of experiences that are inherent to teaching. One of the advantages that can be derived from personal narratives is professional development (Schwarz, 2001). This presentation intends to give the audience a sample of vivid experiences lived by two English teachers? during their professional careers - one teacher even starting from the initial stages of teaching a language and the other after her graduate studies - with the hope that the description of these experiences and the meanings and conclusions derived from them, would benefit the audience? personal professional careers. The professional development of language teachers is a lifelong learning-to-teach process which starts with the initial preparation that teachers receive and continues throughout their working life (Trahar, 2009).