Telling Our Own Story: Documenting the Experience of Early Childhood Educators Using Oral History

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Twelve
  In Roundtable Session: Equity and Rights: Dispositions, Ethics, and Professional Responsibilities (Table 8)

Abstract

The stories of early childhood teachers are often missing from both the public and historic narratives. The experiences and expertise of those that care for our country’s youngest children is often assumed and undervalued. This paper describes the work to-date of an oral history project focused on collecting, documenting, and archiving early childhood teachers’ stories. Specifically, the stories of three early childhood teachers will be shared. The teacher-narrators featured include a preschool teacher in childcare, an early career teacher in public schools, and a veteran public school teacher with experience as a childcare director/owner. This sample of stories provides a foundation for discussions about the diversity of work, preparation, and approaches present in our field.

Authors

• Jennifer Jo Baumgartner, Louisiana State University
  Presenting Author

• Amber N. Smith, University of Missouri
  Presenting Author