A Case Study Of The Professional Growth Of A Junior High School English Teacher In Enshi Tujia And Miao Area

Teacher professionalization is not only an important trend of contemporary teacher career development but also one of the important issues of teacher education reform in China.This case study explores the professional growth of a junior middle school English teacher in Enshi Tujia and Miao ethnic minority areas.Based on the data collected from interviews and reflective journals,this study investigates her stages of professional growth and the factors influencing her professional growth.Through the analysis and interpretation of the professional growth process of the teacher,this study hopes to summarize the ways to promote the professional growth of English teachers in ethnic minority areas and to provide references and suggestions for the professional growth of English teachers in Enshi Tujia and Miao ethnic minority areas.Firstly,this study finds that Yulia’s professional growth can be divided into five stages.They are the pre-service preparation stage,adaptation stage,accumulation stage,burnout stage,and maturity stage.The content and characteristics of each stage are different.In the pre-service stage,Yulia’s assiduous study and practice have laid a solid foundation for her professional knowledge and ability.Sudden change and adaptation are prominent features of the second stage.During the adaptation period,Yulia’s teaching practice ability has been improved,which is embodied in classroom management and teaching design.Through continuous learning and training,Yulia has gone through the accumulation stage of her career.At this stage,her professional growth is manifested in the cultivation of her professional personality and the improvement of classroom teaching.However,the pressure of work and the failure of promotion caused Yulia to enter the burnout stage.Through adjustment,Yulia has entered the mature stage.At this stage,Yulia formed her unique teaching style,enhanced her awareness of professional development,and formed a sense of lifelong learning.Secondly,this study analyzes the internal and external factors that influence Yulia’s professional growth.Her strong educational belief,good character,and strong sense of professional development are the internal factors that promote her professional growth.The family support,teaching training,and government policies create a good professional development environment for Yulia.Based on the above findings,this study puts forward some suggestions on the professional growth of English teachers in Enshi Tujia and Miao ethnic minority areas from both personal and external environments.From the perspective of teachers,teachers should have a correct understanding of the social environment in minority areas,and should actively carry out selfreflection and improve their ability of lifelong learning.From the external environment,schools should provide support for the professional growth of female teachers,and the government should increase investment and policy preference in ethnic minority areas.