Utilizing Our Lenses as Former Administrators to Reconsider and Reimagine Our Selves as Teacher Educators

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: Positionality as a Lens for Self-Study Inquiry

Abstract

Two mid-career teacher educators are striving to reclaim their teacher selves and reconnect with their roles without administrative responsibilities that altered their trajectories in past years and forced them to reconsider their priorities and identities. Being in different areas of the US, the authors utilized electronic journaling, email communication, and online “face to face” meetings to collaboratively reflect on and examine their exodus and newfound freedom from administrative responsibilities. This turn of events presented an opportunity to revisit the selves they once recognized and to reconsider and reimagine the new selves that have since emerged after years of academic leadership. Findings indicate a range of emotions, including relief, commitment, and hope for themselves as well as the broader self-study community.

Authors

• Laurie A. Ramirez, Appalachian State University

• Valerie A. Allison, Susquehanna University