Frances Buss and Edward Thring: Teachers, Professionalism and Organisation

Abstract

The question of why teaching has not wholly been recognised as having professional standing has long been contested, as teachers have fought to gain independence of action and public standing. By exploring the life histories of Frances Buss, founder of the Association of Headmistresses, and Edward Thring, founder of the Headmasters’ Conference, this article aims to provide a historical perspective on the personal, professional and occupational identity of educators. Taking a biographical approach, this article argues that it is the differences in ‘types’ of teachers and the lack of a cohesive ‘teacher identity’ that have hindered the formation of a unified occupational group so necessary for professional recognition.