EDL 7030

I really was touched by this article for several reasons. First, I was drawn into the methodology of the narrative form (with blended narrative from the author). When articles are laid out in this fashion, they are easier to read...from my perspective. I enjoyed the "back and forth"ness between teachers in the field and the educational researcher because the flow of the writing was smooth and very rythmatic. It displayed humaness and reflective soul work coming from the teachers and insightful (referenced) information from the researcher. It was balanced well between the subjects and the researcher; no one voice stood strong, the teachers and the researchers both produced insight for the reader.

Secondly, I have to admit that I also enjoyed the topic. As a woman educator, I struggled with ALL the topics: nurturer, giver, mother, social worker, advocate, etc. for my students. Perhaps my own burnout from teaching preschool was brought on by what these teachers experienced. This article gave me a voice, as though I had contributed. What was refreshing was that the researcher "heard" and "felt" and made meaning to what was written in reflection. When I taught and felt the same as these teachers, no one was willing to listen. If fact, there were so many of us women feeling the same way that, I guess, it was pointless to dwell on the situation because it wasn't going to change.

Finally, I think that living in the time as we do, we are ALL faced with multiple roles tugging at us; be it in the workplace or at home and in the community. However, in teaching, especially for the professional who holds the profession high, we give and give until we just burnout. I am grateful that these women had a voice that was heard. Perhaps, in continuing ed programs, these issues, especially for women teachers who have been in the field a long time, self-care can be addressed so that teachers don't leave the field like I needed to do.

Diane