4. Teacher’s subjectivity and his/her unconscious world

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to find out the core of “being a teacher.” In order to reveal this meaning, two tasks were developed: First, a revision of how teachers’ unconscious general knowledge deposited in their long term memory during childhood influences their teaching practice; and second, an outline of the most relevant content in the psyche. The research is qualitative; based on the phenomenological and hermeneutic approach. An interview in depth was applied. The informants were male and female teachers. Results show teachers’ practice is linked to their family values, their love for teaching, their commitment to the profession, and responsibility in academic training. This has led them into the development of a. an understanding and caring attitude for students, b. a counseling role, and c. the service to others. In conclusion, the teacher’s psyche is shaped by traditional archetypes such as love, experience and affection.