Rurality, rural education, and the professional identity of rural teachers

The relationship between professional identity and the teaching practice of the rural teachers is fundamental to find answers regarding the being, the doing-the conditions in which it is done-and what the teacher should be in rural contexts. This research article describes some elements of self-perception, training, and teaching experience that identify rural teachers from two rural educational institutions in eastern Antioquia that work in semi-rural, rural, and remote rural areas. The study was conducted from the narrative biographical approach with different research techniques such as the seminar workshop, the discussion group, the autobiographical account, the dramatic play, and the metaplan. The analysis of the data allowed the identification of common elements in the individual and collective trajectories, and revealed tensions, challenges, interests, and training needs of the participating teachers. In addition, it made evident the need for a network of rural teachers in eastern Antioquia, to generate processes of communication, research, training, and organization of these vital actors in rural education.