We Grew Up And Became Teachers: The Personal Reading Experience And Curriculum Understanding

• In Event: The (Non)Invisible Researcher

Abstract

Sumara (1996) explains, “The books we care about are part of us” (p. 158). Characters follow us, lessons grow underneath our feet, and we carry memories of relationships everywhere we go. Literature stirred us as children; as adults it stirs us still. Today I understand that the literature we are most affected by has something profound to say about our identity. It must then have something to say about our teaching. What is read in our past continues to live in our present. It speaks to us from the pages. By thinking about the profound reading experiences that taught us to value literature, we teachers can better interpret our understanding of curriculum and, importantly, better understand our teaching.

Author

• Westry A. Whitaker, The George Washington University