"What If It Breaks Me?" A Critical Analysis of Teachers' Fears About Supporting Young Children Experiencing Homelessness

• In Event: Communities of Care: The Possibilities of Collective Engagement in Early Childhood Contexts

Abstract

Increasingly, researchers are considering the complex emotional dimensions of teaching and learning. However, while the influence of care, hope, and expectations have been studied, the powerful role of fear remains largely under-examined. To address this gap, in this paper, I explore how fears articulated by a group of early childhood educators shape their understandings and work with children experiencing homelessness. These findings draw on thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 40 current early childhood educators. By drawing attention to the ways in which unrecognized and uncontested fears may influence educators’ approach to relationships, pedagogy, and professional learning, this study expands our understanding of the emotional landscapes teachers navigate and offers important insights for teacher professional development programs.

Author

• Travis S. Wright, University of WIsconsin- Madison