Her Journey: The Growth Trajectory of an Educator-Principal: A Case Study of Zhang Guimei Based on Life Course Theory

Wei Zhang

doi:10.54097/ezs2nb56

Authors

Wei Zhang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/ezs2nb56

Keywords:

Educator-principal; Zhang Guimei; Growth trajectory.

Abstract

This study employs life course theory to deeply analyze Principal Zhang Guimei's transformation from an ordinary teacher to an educator-principal. Focusing on three core trajectories—her educational experiences, emotional choices, and career development—this research clarifies her growth trajectory and examines how four dimensions (significant others, historical changes, individual agency, and life timing) interact to construct Zhang Guimei's unique and profound developmental path. The findings reveal that these four elements play distinctive roles of assistance, shaping, dominance, and promotion respectively, interacting and influencing each other. Among them, her husband assumed multiple functional roles, facilitating the occurrence of several critical events, such as supporting her university admission and her subsequent move to Huaping after his passing.

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References

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