Preparing the Next Generation of Early Childhood Teacher Educators: Reflection of a Wider Need

• In Event: 72.048 - Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: 72.048-6 - Professional Development for Teacher Educators: Lessons Learned

Abstract

Preparing early childhood teacher educators to teach in Higher Education four-year institutions remains a dilemma for many teacher preparation programs that offer early childhood education in the United States. There continues to be a problem (Cochran, 2009) to place appropriate faculty with appropriate knowledge, skills and dispositions required of early childhood education (ECE) teacher educators. This study examined ECE teacher educators’ reflections on some of the formative socializing experiences that contribute to faculty knowledge and the experiences The data from this study yielded findings that included the variance in the academic and professional development preparation, in the instructive, socializing experiences for early childhood teacher educators, and in the institutional supports and resources needed to support early childhood teacher educators.

Author

• Joan Y. Pedro, University of Houston - Clear Lake