Abstract

Based on a historical review of the major milestones in teacher training in Chile, from the Spanish colonial era to the current body of knowledge, this article analyzes the concept of teaching professionalization and teacher identity from the standpoint of their characteristics and evolution. The indication is that changes in education in Chile have not been sufficient to improve the quality of processes for teacher training, nor have opportunities and systematic options for professional development in teaching been created to strengthen its identity and autonomy. Reconsidering and revising teacher training curricula and processes in Chile is a priority. In concert with the definition of public policy, these elements clearly are responsible for training new generations of teachers.