Disavowed: The stories of two novice teachers

This case study used narrative inquiry to explore two novice English teachers’ experiences in the classroom and factors that caused them to leave the profession. Participants were one male and one female located in two southeastern (US) states. Data include transcripts of e-mails, spanning a 17-month period, between the participants and researcher and individual audio-taped interviews conducted by the researcher in May 2005. The teachers’ narratives of disavowal reinforce the need for strengthening induction and mentoring programs, as well as the fostering of caring, healthy work environments.