Early childhood educators are stressed, under-resourced, and undervalued—
but is there more to their stories?
About the project
In Their Own Words was created in response to common narratives about early childhood educators that focus on their pain and define them by their struggles.
We interview and photograph early childhood educators in their places of work, across geographical and cultural settings, where they’re the experts.
By providing a platform for their honest stories, we expand public understanding of the people that care for our youngest children. We uplift the challenges of early educators’ work as well as the joys, rewards, and moments of meaning they experience.
Author
Hi there! My name is Isabel. I’m an early childhood educator, learner, advocate, sister, friend, and a Philly sports fan. I am grounded by a belief in the importance of nurturing relationships between young children and their caregivers.
I developed In Their Own Words during my time as a Master’s student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. It grew from a conviction that early educators’ voices are missing from conversations about improving the workforce. As an educator myself, it’s a project that is very close to my heart.
I’m grateful for your visit to this site!
