the young teacher's 'self-identification' [='identification'] with his students
He needed to show (his) 'identification' before they would cash the check.
They had/felt a (strong) sense of 'identification with' their neighbors.
(..) (clears throat) Well, what's your name? Hanratty, Carl Hanratty. (sighs) Mind if I see some identification? Sure. You never can be too careful these days. Well, tough luck, Carl. Five minutes earlier (..)2002 Catch Me If You Can