Building Your Teacher Identity: A Guide for New Education Majors

Samantha Fecich
Aug 14
3 min read

Updated: Aug 24

Welcome to EduMagic, where future teachers grow, reflect, and shine! If you're a new education major, you're probably asking yourself: What kind of teacher do I want to be? That question is at the heart of today’s topic: building your teacher identity. Your teacher identity is more than just your major; it's your purpose, your passion, and your personal teaching philosophy. Let’s explore how you can start shaping it from day one.

edumagic cover art for episode about teacher identity

What Is a Teacher Identity?

Your teacher identity is a unique blend of your values, beliefs, experiences, and goals. It influences how you teach, how you connect with students, and how you create a classroom culture. And guess what? It’s not set in stone. Your identity will evolve as you take courses, engage in field experiences, and learn from mentors. The key is to stay open to growth while staying true to your core values.

Developing Your Teaching Philosophy

One of the best ways to begin building your teacher identity is by writing your teaching philosophy. This is a short, reflective statement that captures your beliefs about teaching and learning.

Here are a few guiding questions to help you get started:

What do you believe about how students learn best?
What role should a teacher play in the classroom?
How do you want students to feel when they walk into your room?

Your teaching philosophy is a living document. You’ll revise it as you grow, but starting early helps you clarify your purpose and direction.

💡 EduMagic Tip: Write a rough draft during your first semester and revisit it each year. You’ll be amazed at how your perspective evolves!

Staying True to Your Values

As you move through your education program, you’ll face challenges, standardized testing, curriculum constraints, and classroom management hurdles. It’s easy to feel pulled in different directions. T

Here are a few strategies to help:

Reflect regularly: Ask yourself, “Am I teaching in a way that aligns with my beliefs?”
Find a mentor or peer who shares your values.
Seek out professional development that supports your growth.

Reflection & Journaling: Tools for Growth

Want to supercharge your growth as a future educator? Start journaling!

Reflection helps you process experiences, celebrate wins, and learn from challenges. Journaling is a powerful tool to track your journey and build self-awareness.

Try these prompts:

“What inspired me today?”
“What challenged me?”
“How did I respond to a student’s need?”
“What kind of teacher do I want to be tomorrow?”

You can use a physical journal, a digital app like Notion or Day One, or even voice memos. The format doesn’t matter—what matters is consistency.

Your EduMagic Challenge

Start your Teacher Identity Journal today! Write down your teaching philosophy draft, reflect on your values, and commit to growing with intention.

Want to share your journey? Tag @SFecich on social media or send a message, I’d love to hear your story and celebrate your growth!

Bonus Resources

Download the EduMagic Podcast Listener Activity Sheet for the Building Your Teacher Identity Episode

Remember: The kind of teacher you become starts with the choices you make today. Keep reflecting, keep growing, and keep shining, because the world needs your EduMagic.

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich

Want to keep the conversation going beyond the blog? I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and innovation in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to stay inspired and supported.

Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower. Take the free quiz: What’s Your Student Teacher Superpower? and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom!

Join the Conversation on Instagram. Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways.

Remember, EDUmagicians...You have the EduMagic within you. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making a difference.