Paper presentation at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Area of special interest: Lives of Teachers —Teacher Identity and Agency in Racially and Politically Contested Contexts

Thu, April 11, 4:20 to 5:50 pm, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Floor: Level 4, Room 411

Abstract

This paper examines the understudied perceptions and experiences of early childhood educators in California. Life history interviews of six teachers working in differently-funded preschool programs were conducted to better understand the lived experiences of the ECE workforce. This study theorized education policy and labor as processual and situated in a racialized and gendered political economy. Despite variations in program context and teacher preparation, the teachers shared remarkably similar conceptions of their work, suggesting a professional ECE ethos shared through practice. This common purpose undergirded teachers’ descriptions of agentic meaning-making and resistance to political and organizational encroachments on their working conditions and professional autonomy – encroachments that may intensify as California works to further standardize early education in the state.

“About the AERA 2024 Annual Meeting

Each year, the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting is the world's largest gathering of education researchers and a showcase for groundbreaking, innovative studies in an array of areas. The 2024 Annual Meeting will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 11-14.

About the 2024 Program:
The 2024 AERA Annual Meeting offers a robust program of Presidential and AERA sessions; Division and SIG paper/symposium, roundtable, and poster sessions; and professional development courses, and off-site visits.”

A workshop for educators of young children facilitated by Micah Card, educator and author of No Magic Lecture.

Reflective freewriting is an intuitive way for educators to tap into their thinking processes, gain clarity, and enhance wellbeing. Writing strengthens the hand/brain and mind/body connections. Freewriting strengthens the heart. No experience needed. Just bring pen and paper.

Writer, educator, and facilitator Micah Card will guide attendees through a brief intro to the practice of freewriting and a series of manageable, supportive writing exercises. Participants will come away with a framework for thinking and feeling their way into the new school year with intention, meaning, and purpose.

This is not a workshop for “Writers!” This is a workshop for teachers of young children, early childhood educators, and ECE students at the start of this new school year. No one will be asked to share writing, only reflections on the process itself (if you’d like!). 

Suggested donations are set on a sliding scale, from $25 to perfectly free. 

The zoom link for the workshop will be sent via email on the day of the event for security.

Select your price in the drop-down menu.