Narrative Inquiry into Becoming a Catholic Educator

ABSTRACT

[Objective] The purpose of this study is to use narrative inquiry to explore the process of change in Catholic school teachers’ life experiences as they internalise Catholic educational philosophy as their own and ‘becoming’ Catholic Educators. [Contents] Underpinning the participants’ experience of becoming Catholic educators was their faith in a God who loves human beings. This led Catholic educators to care for the lives of their learners, to integrate culture, faith and life in their teaching and learning activities, and to form communities of communion. [Conclusions] The conclusions of this study are as follows. In the process of becoming Catholic educators, a Christian human perspective is the basis of their understanding of the human person and the world and the foundation of their educational activity. Through this, Catholic educators live an integral life process that transforms them into ‘Educators of Life’. This study can serve as a basis for further research on the spiritual support of Catholic educators.