Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/stepping-into-a-new-space-a-new-role-a-conversation-between-margie-carter-and-nadiyah-taylor/5024608/
*Additional photos and tables can be found in the pdf version of this article.
Over the last decade, along with so many others in our beloved profession, I have been troubled by the direction the early childhood field has taken with its emphasis on data driven outcomes and approaches to “fixing” what are thought of as “underperforming” children and teachers. At the same time, I have been so heartened by the dedication and tenacity of many, many ECE professionals working across various roles and organizations to ensure that children’s programs are filled with the delights of childhood play, and learning experiences that are meaningful and provoke curiosity. This is no easy task in the current climate. A complex web of expectations has hijacked the ability of educators to direct their attention to genuinely know and be responsive to each child and family, let alone their own professional learning aspirations. I want to shout out deep respect for those educators with persistence in resistance, efforts toward innovation, and the development of their leadership. I want to support this cadre in any way I can and encourage others to join in this effort.
Last year as Ann Pelo and I completed ...