“My School is Like…” Analysis of Metaphors from Beginning Teachers

Abstract

This article analyzes the induction program conceptions of beginner teachers of an induction program on schools. We have worked with 269 comments made in a forum, responding to the statement “A school is like...”. The metaphors, on the image of schools, were obtained after coding and analyzed though what was proposed by Miles and Ekholms. Results indicate the predominant conception of school to be related to its characterization with a rational image, focused on results. Most perceive their workplace as an organization aimed towards achieving specific preset goals. There are few references to the political image as a place characterized by conflict and authority.