Collaborative Autoethnography as a Tool for Developing Social Justice–Oriented Preschool Experiences

Abstract

The authors describe a collaboration to create a series of social justice–oriented curriculum maps for a predominantly White preschool. The researchers explore their own identities and biases, how racism disadvantages individuals and groups, and the resulting curriculum design.

Keywords:

• antibias education
• anti-racist education
• civic education
• collaborative autoethnography
• early childhood education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joy Dangora Erickson

Joy Dangora Erickson is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education in the School of Education at Endicott College. Her scholarship centers on young children’s motivation for reading intervention programs and early childhood education for citizenship. Email: [email protected]

Kyleigh Pharris Rousseau

Kyleigh Pharris Rousseau is an early childhood educator with experience teaching within the international and American public school systems. Her research interests include culturally responsive pedagogy, anti-bias education, play-based learning, and supporting educators’ identity development as teacher–researchers. Email: [email protected]

Megan Barlow

Megan Barlow is a senior in the School of Education at Endicott College. Her research interests include social and emotional learning in early elementary school and equitable teaching practices. Email: [email protected]

Kelly Wing

Kelly Wing is the Director and Lead Teacher at Ascension Nursery School, where she promotes a love of learning through arts, exploration, and discovery. Ascension recognizes that children grow and develop at their own pace. Differences are celebrated. Email: [email protected]

Winston C. Thompson

Winston C. Thompson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy (by courtesy) at The Ohio State University. His scholarship explores ethical/political dimensions of educational policy and practice. Email: [email protected]