Evans, Linda Mary (1998) Early years teachers : their lives, work and careers. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This study argues that time is a significant factor for the ways in which early years
education is conceptualised and experienced. Three time scales are shown to be
important. Firstly, the historical background to early years teaching is examined. In
particular, I argue that the way in which women have come to be seen as the most
appropriate teachers of young children has implications for how early years teaching is
perceived and experienced in the 1990's.
Secondly, the life history approach adopted by this study highlights the importance of
early years teachers' own histories. The biographical accounts of fourteen early years
teachers show how past experiences influence teachers' perceptions, understandings
and experiences of their work.
Thirdly, the particular time period, contemporary time, in which teachers live and work
is shown to influence the way in which early years teachers perceive and experience
their work. Of particular importance here are the recent educational reforms and the
ways in which early years teachers have responded to them. I examine the role that
early years teachers construct for themselves, a role shaped by the responsibility of
being children's first school educators, and argue that for many teachers this role
conflicts with current educational reforms.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Primary school teachers -- Biography, Primary school teaching, Education -- History
Official Date:	September 1998
Dates:	Date Event September 1998 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Institute of Education
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Sikes, Patricia J.
Extent:	315 p.
Language:	eng

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