The project serves many audiences:

Students gain firsthand experience in research and interviewing.

Teachers have their stories preserved and celebrated as part of Louisiana’s educational history.

Researchers and historians gain access to a rich collection of primary sources about early childhood education.

Community members and families can learn about the experiences, insights, and dedication of Louisiana’s educators.

Anyone who is or has been an early childhood teacher in Louisiana—working with children from birth through age eight—is eligible to be interviewed. 

The key requirements are that the teacher lives and works in Louisiana and is willing to participate in both a pre-interview and a recorded interview during the semester. Interviews are usually conducted via Zoom, but in-person options may also be available.

Each interview focuses on the teacher’s life story and professional experiences. Students have a guided interview framework that includes sample questions about childhood memories, teaching journeys, educational experiences, and the challenges and joys of working with young children.

The teacher-narrator decide what topics to emphasize. The project’s goal is to document the teacher’s own voice and perspective—what they want future generations to understand about their work and experiences.

Yes. After the interview, the project team prepares a transcript and shares it with the teacher-narrator for review and editing. Interviewees can correct errors, clarify wording, or add additional notes before the transcript is archived. Teachers also sign a copyright release form and may request changes or restrictions at any time, such as delaying public access for 5 or 10 years (“embargo”).

Absolutely! The project welcomes recommendations of Louisiana early childhood teachers who have meaningful stories to share. Teachers should be willing to participate in both a pre-interview and a recorded session. To suggest someone, please contact the project team at laeducationoh@gmail.com (or via Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner) so that arrangements can be made for participation.