Reconsidering the Image of Teachers

Encountering the “Living Teacher Image” through the Reconstruction of Teacher Images in Steiner Education Teacher Training Programs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Reconsidering the Image of Teachers: Encountering the “Living Teacher Image” through the Reconstruction of Teacher Images in Steiner Education Teacher Training Programs ITO Gen （Tokyo University of Science） This paper aims to examine the necessity of reconstructing the image of teachers in con temporary teacher education through the practices of teacher training in Steiner Education. Waldorf education requires completion of a teacher training program, and throughout this pro cess, participants are required to unlearn existing teacher images and construct new ones. Spe cifically, the paper discusses the importance of a teacher image realised through living practice, rather than an abstract one, by considering the concept of “concrete universality” based on Goethe’s thought as a fundamental stance of Steiner Education. The paper highlights the drawbacks of the “easy-to-understand teacher image” proposed by prefectural boards of educa tion. It provides insights for educational practitioners through the transformation process of the teacher image based on Steiner Education’s unique system. Through this discussion, the paper aims to offer new perspectives on the challenges faced by practitioners and researchers in teacher education.