The personal/professional lives of women educators

grantor: University of TorontoIn this narrative inquiry into the integration of the personal/professional lives of women educators, I use story to investigate the experience of five women educators who live the life of family and career. I present my account of this inquiry through autobiographical field texts, restoried narratives of participants' lives, and a narrative account of the research process. The interweaving of these three strands illuminates the "split/dilemma/conflict" encountered in the integration of personal and professional life. Throughout this thesis narrative is presented as both phenomenon and methodology. I base my interpretation of field texts in my experience and that of the participants. It is supported by literature from the disciplines of education and women's studies. The interpretation of these stories of our lives involves exploration of the societal, historical, and cultural contexts in which we live and shows the reciprocal relationship which exists between us and these contexts. My interpretation of this study suggests that the split/dilemma/conflict experienced by participants is gender specific and inherent in our society. The interpretations of readers will be based in their experience. For me, this narrative inquiry has been a catalyst to a life of awakenings and transformations for we live and tell our lives through story and, in the telling, learn new ways of living. The narrative process led me, from what I consider personal/professional isolation, into community with others where I discovered the commonalities and differences of experience. In community I came to know others' stories of living the life of family and career and to realize that change is necessary and possible. Therefore, this inquiry has significance for: curriculum development at all levels of the education system; policy-making within society's organizations; and the living and telling of our personal and professional stories. My thesis contributes to conversation, research, and literature by illuminating the split/dilemma/conflict in the lives of women who live the life of family and career. Its objective is to bring about change in the understanding and living of our stories as women educators and in the stories which we live with our students.Ph.D