Living like a physical education teacher: The process and factors of professional identity formation for dance majoring PE teachers

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to explore the formation process and influential factors of professional identity for the establishment and growth of physical education(PE) teachers majoring in dance. [Methods] Based on the phenomenological research method, data from the interviews, focus group interviews, and local document were collected and analyzed from ten teachers. [Results] First, we explored the process of professional identity formation of PE teachers majoring in dance. It appeared in four stages, 'stranger,' 'adaptation,' 'settler,' and 'pioneer.' Second, we explored the factors of forming the professional identity of the PE teachers majoring in dance. The factors influencing the process of identity formation from the stranger to the adaptation were 'utilization of various training' and 'imitation of their mentor.' The factors influencing the formation process of identity formation from the adaptation to the settler were 'recognition and support of fellow teachers' and ‘opportunity of professional development.’ The factors influencing the process of identity formation from the settler to the pioneer are ‘sense of commitment as a PE teacher,’ ’constant attitude of study and learning.’ [Conclusion] The results suggest that the formation of professional identity of PE teachers majoring in dance goes through a certain stage, and the environment is important as well as the active effort and potential attitude of individual.