Doctoral Students as Future Teachers at Universities: Factors Related to Professional Identity

Doctoral students’ professional identity in higher education institutions is a relevant field of research in the context of education for sustainable development. Higher education institutions face the following challenge: it is very important for the Doctoral students to develop the skills of the researcher during their studies; however, the competencies of the teacher are crucial in order to become part of the higher education institution. Thus, sustainable development of teacher’s professional identity of Doctoral students plays a meaningful role in retaining gifted young scientists at higher education institutions. The article analyzes the psychological, social and academic environmental factors that are important for identification of the teacher’s professional role during Doctoral studies. The sample of the study consisted of 494 Doctoral students from 22 higher education institutions in Lithuania. The study was conducted using Teachers’ Professional Role Identity Scale, Big Five Inventory, Social Support Questionnaire and two scales compiled to measure academic environmental factors. The results revealed that Doctoral students’ external thinking style, personality traits of extraversion and conscientiousness, perceived support of family and friends, material conditions for internships and conferences and other academic environment factors are significant for Doctoral students’ identification with the teacher’s professional role. These results have practical application for Doctoral students’ satisfaction with studies, productivity and career management. This is important for the seeking sustainable development goals of higher education.