Utilising previous professional expertise by second-career teachers: Analysing case studies using the lens of transfer and adaptive expertise

Abstract

Second-career teachers (SCTs) may contribute to quality of education by utilising their previous professional expertise (PPE). However, case studies show contradictory examples of beneficial and hindering influence of apparently similar PPE while SCTs become proficient in their new teaching job. Aiming to understand beneficial or hindering utilisation of PPE, this qualitative literature study applies concepts of transfer and adaptive expertise as lens to analyse 41 case studies reporting on utilisation of PPE by SCTs. Results suggest that adaptive expertise developed during previous career impacts beneficial utilisation of PPE, while support for utilising PPE is often perceived as insufficient.