This work was carried out with the aim of finding out the reasons behind the lack of interest in school among pupils in classes 8 to 10 at the Eduardo Mondlane Secondary School in Inhamângua. In the first instance, we looked at various conceptions of teacher training, as we believe that this is key to the development of professionalism and professional identity, which are fundamental elements in preventing pupils' lack of interest in school.

We tried to understand the concepts of professionalism and professional identity, as well as the causes and implications of pupils' disaffection with school. In this sense, based on action research, we used a questionnaire addressed to the school manager (DAE), teachers and students.

We also used an interview with parents and/or guardians and a lesson observation form. Based on these instruments, we obtained the views of teachers, students, the school manager and parents on what they consider to be the reasons for school disengagement and, in this sense, we proved that the lack of professionalism and professional identity of teachers contribute to school disengagement.

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