Even to this day, I treasure that support because she continued to be there for me to offer advice, and she gave it willingly and honestly. She inspired so many to always do our best— to model ourselves after her. Although we lost a legend when Barbara passed away in November 2024, we remember and honor her legacy as part of NAEYC’ s centennial.
Key Lessons on Mentoring from Barbara Taylor Bowman’ s Example
Mentorships are valuable and important to many early childhood professionals. Having access to good mentors is often viewed as the key to a successful career.
About the Author
Carol Brunson Day, PhD, is the former President of the Governing Board at NAEYC.
Acknowledgment
An earlier version of this piece appeared on NAEYC’ s Blog in 2019, which captured remarks delivered by Carol Brunson Day during a celebration of Barbara Bowman’ s 90th birthday at NAEYC’ s 2018 Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
Copyright © 2026 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. See Permissions and Reprints online at NAEYC. org / resources / permissions
Along with her thought leadership in child development and early childhood education, Barbara Bowman served as example of an impactful mentor. Here are a few key lessons you can apply in your own professional life:
An insistence on scholarship for educators: Focusing on making sure your practice with children is informed by what we know about child learning and development
A commitment to knowing children first hand: Corroborating theory as it is informed by what you learn from working directly with children
An approach to managing your life and work with others: Characterized by style, grace, honesty, and integrity
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