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“BUT, I AM TEACHING!”: AN EXPERIENCED TEACHER EMBRACES PROFESSIONAL COURAGE
Dr. Tammi R. Davis
Abstract
This qualitative life history study seeks to understand the teaching life of an experienced elementary teacher. Building on the life history research model of Goodson and Sikes (2001), I used the discourse of the teacher to describe the trajectory of her professional life. The primary sources were online forum posts and extensive follow-up interviews. Data were analyzed using a multi-step, narrative-inspired framework through which I 1) compiled an overview Jane’s teaching history; 2) coded for broad themes and representative refrains; 3) analyzed details of individual refrains, tones, deeper themes, and metaphors; and 4) analyzed pairs of refrains for tensions and commonalities. Findings include how examining the metaphors of Jane’s teaching emphasize the importance of teachers finding ways to enact professional courage.
“I do feel like I have given up so much. I think I am still able to ensure that my students enjoy being at school; it's definitely in a different way. But, I think we still do find ways to laugh and to make fun out of what it is we must do.” (Jane: Primary Teacher)
Dr. Tammi R. Davis taught elementary school and middle school for more than 20 years in both Florida and Indiana. She recently received her phD from Indiana University and is currently a clinical faculty member at the University of Louisville. She is the director of the Kentucky Reading project and teaches undergraduate literacy methods courses in a Jefferson County elementary school in Louisville.
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