Between gate-keeping and support: teachers’ perception of their role in transition

This article discusses how teachers perceive their role in supporting and guiding students in transitions. Do teachers see themselves more as gatekeepers or as supporters? The analysis draws upon qualitative data collected in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Finland. Based on the analysis of teachers’ interviews, we developed three constellations of how teachers perceive their role in relation to supporting students: support focused on employability, support focused on access and opportunities, and support focused on students’ well-being. We found that teachers tend to find a balance between all three constellations, but also that the education system (differentiated vs. comprehensive), patterns of collaboration with other youth professionals, and labor market conditions all influence their role.