Intentional Teaching in Early Childhood: Ignite Your Passion for Learning and Improve Outcomes for Young Children

by Sandra Heidemann, Beth Menninga, Claire Chang

Overview

Guides early childhood teachers on a journey of self-discovery and self-determination to take charge of their own professional development.

This essential professional development resource provides advice for early childhood teachers who are navigating demands and changes in their careers, helping them see these challenges as growth opportunities. Through in-depth self-assessment and reflection, educators reexamine their teaching philosophy, integrate new knowledge and strategies into their practice, and strengthen the impact of their teaching on students. In the midst of a constantly changing education landscape, teachers will become more intentional in their practice and rediscover their unique purpose and passion for teaching young children. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781631984266
Publisher:	Free Spirit Publishing
Publication date:	01/17/2019
Series:	Free Spirit Professional®
Edition description:	Second Edition, New Edition, Book with digital content
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	7.25(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.44(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 9 Years

About the Author

Sandra Heidemann, M.S., is a decades-long veteran of early childhood education with an emphasis on special needs.

A past board president of the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MN AEYC), Sandra has published in Young Children and Exchange magazines and is the co-author of Play: The Pathway from Theory to Practice, published by Redleaf Press.

She lives in Minnesota.

Beth Menninga, M.A.Ed., has over three decades of experience in early childhood education, including teaching in preschool classrooms and coordinating professional development initiatives on infant/toddler caregiving, early literacy, and early math.

Beth has also coauthored articles for Young Children and Exchange magazines.

She is currently the infant toddler specialist at the Center for Inclusive Child Care in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Claire Chang, M.A., is senior program officer for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota Foundation and is a former West Ed instructor.

She has served on the governing board and accreditation council of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and currently serves on the board of directors of MN AEYC and Hope Community Services.

Claire lives in Minnesota.

Table of Contents

List of Figures x

List of Reproducible Pages x

Foreword Carol Brunson Day xi

Introduction 1

Why Intentionality? 1

The Importance of Intentional Teaching in Early Childhood 3

Scope and Organization of This Book 5

How to Use This Book 7

Part 1 Starting the Journey

Chapter 1 Teaching Is a Journey 10

The Journey Begins 11

Stages of Teacher Development 12

Core Beliefs About Teaching 18

How Have You Changed? 19

Chapter 2 Moving Toward Intentionality 28

Are You an Intentional Teacher? 28

Learning Processes 32

What Does Change Have to Do with Intentional Teaching? 35

Part 2 Change Brings Intentionality

Chapter 3 Change Happens in Phases 48

Change Spurs Growth 49

A Three-Phase Growth Cycle: Learning, Practicing, Sharing 50

Chapter 4 Teachers Learn 56

Dimensions of Learning 57

Learning About Yourself 59

Learning About Content and Strategies 62

Learning Through Interacting with Others 65

How Does This Phase of Growth Affect Your Daily Practice? 70

Your Professional Identity: Who You Are as a Teacher 71

Encountering Dilemmas: What and How You Practice 71

Dealing with Feelings 76

Chapter 5 Teachers Practice 87

What You Practice 88

Adjusting Your Professional Identity 88

Practicing Content and Strategies 91

Getting and Using Feedback from Others 98

How Does This Phase of Growth Affect Your Daily Practice? 101

Your Professional Identity: Who You Are as a Teacher 101

Encountering Dilemmas: What and How You Practice 102

Dealing with Feelings 103

Chapter 6 Teachers Share and Model 107

What You Share and Model 108

Developing Confidence 111

Sharing Content and Strategies 113

Engaging Other Adults 116

How Does This Phase of Growth Affect Your Daily Practice? 118

Your Professional Identity: Who You Are as a Teacher 119

Encountering Dilemmas: What and How You Practice 121

Dealing with Feelings 125

Part 3 Getting What you Need

Chapter 7 Getting Supports on Your Journey 132

Training 133

Learning Preferences 136

Learning Communities or Communities of Practice 141

Coaching 143

Resources 145

Building Partnerships with Families 146

Organizational Supports 149

Chapter 8 Navigating the Detours on the Journey 161

How Do You Approach a Problem? 162

Effective Problem Solving: A Seven-Step Process 163

Problem Solving and Professional Development: Questions and Concerns 168

Chapter 9 Reflecting on Your Journey 180

Cycle of Continuous Improvement 182

Hopes, Fears, and Burning Questions 189

Bibliography 192

Index 196

About the Authors 201