ERIC Number: ED657203
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 288
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3828-0468-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Learning from the Experiences of Multilingual Teachers of Multilingual Learners in Early Childhood
Lindsay E. Beatty
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Massachusetts Boston
Existing research has suggested that multilingualism is an asset in many regards (e.g., cognitively, socially, culturally), yet many U.S. schools have created linguistically exclusive environments for multilingual learners (MLLs) by prioritizing/centering English language instruction and perpetuating deficit views of multilingualism for students who are not proficient in English as their first language. Multilingual teachers have assets/resources as multilinguals that can contribute to creating a classroom where their MLLs can thrive, but the teacher pipeline has not been effective in preparing, hiring, and retaining multilingual teachers in schools. The purpose of this study is to learn about the experience of being multilingual and how teachers who are multilingual perceive these experiences as connecting to/driving their work with MLLs. This qualitative research study used a post-intentional phenomenological research design (Vagle, 2019) to center the voices and experiences of multilingual teachers both as multilinguals and as teachers of MLLs. The participants included four multilingual Kindergarten teachers working in public schools in the state of Massachusetts. The findings suggest that the experience of being a ML teacher of MLLs involves navigating systems of power and control, self-actualization, demoralization, and training and support needs. Implications for early childhood teacher preparation, state leadership, and district and school leadership are discussed, along with suggestions for future research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Bilingual Teachers, Multilingualism, Early Childhood Teachers, Bilingual Students, Teaching Experience, English Language Learners, Teacher Attitudes, Public School Teachers, Preschool Teachers, Teacher Student Relationship, Kindergarten
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A