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.
(..) Get me commissioner Gordon. I got a line on the Congressman's kidnapping. - Excuse me, miss. - Uh, yes? I'm gonna need to see your ticket and identification, please. Oh. Do you mind? I showed your picture to the Congressman. Guess what. Don't tell me. Still in love? Oh, head over heels. (..)2012 The Dark Knight Rises