The mathematical journals for teachers and the shaping of teachers’ professional identity in post-unity Italy

The importance of the mathematical journals for teachers published in Italy in the second half of nineteenth century is multifaceted. Beyond their obvious role of spreading the mathematical culture, they created a net of contacts that fostered shaping the identity of Italian mathematics teachers and provided the terrain for initiatives such as the creation of the Italian association of mathematics teachers Mathesis. The aim of the present contribution is to outline the personalities of the founders to single out elements that contributed to shaping mathematics teachers’ professional identity in the newborn nation.