Abstract

ALVES, Kelly; LOPES, Amélia  and  PEREIRA, Fernando. Being a veteran teacher is not always a happiness: perspectives of teachers on aging. Sér.-Estud. [online]. 2020, vol.25, n.55, pp.279-301.  Epub Apr 01, 2021. ISSN 2318-1982.  https://doi.org/10.20435/serie-estudos.v0i0.1418.

Population aging − a 21st century reality − affects several social spheres, namely labor relations. The extension of the retirement age in several countries results in an older working class, as is the case among the teaching class. Thus, this article aims to understand what aging means to Basic Education teachers regarding their professional activity. Approaches concerning transformations related to teaching professionalism and aging in teaching are this study’s theoretical frame. Empirically, the study is based on the analysis of data produced through 4 focus groups composed of preschool, primary, and middle school teachers between 50 and 63 years of age. A content analysis was then conducted. Results found that, in general, beginners regard aging as an asset, as an expression of experience and maturity; at the same time, concerns are raised about the quality of the work that can be produced due to physical and cognitive limitations and to the growing generational gap between them and students. Differences found between teaching levels seem to stem from the specific professionalism to be applied at those levels. Collaborative work and the use of ICTs make it possible to manage the negative effects of aging and to overcome experienced difficulties.

Keywords : teachers; aging; teaching work.

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