Work

A Participatory Narrative Approach to Understanding One English Language Teacher's Relational Advocacy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT In this study, we use a participatory narrative approach to trace one English language teacher's journey of relational advocacy building and sustaining Familia ESL , a responsive network connecting multilingual families, schools, and the community. Through conversations captured in four interview recordings and written exchanges, we collaboratively explored how Heidi (Author 3)'s advocacy work developed organically over time. Drawing on four interviews and written exchanges, we collaboratively examined how Heidi's advocacy extended from classroom concerns into broader efforts including long‐term relationship building and community engagement. Framed through a view of advocacy as collaborative and relational, we share this unfolding narrative to illustrate how advocacy, often treated as an individual act, can be understood as inherently relational. At the same time, the participatory process created opportunities for Heidi's own reflection, highlighting how narrative approaches can support teachers' professional growth. By making her's efforts visible, we invite teachers and teacher educators into conversation about possibilities for community‐embedded work, while emphasizing the need for research that centers the voices of participants as co‐creators of both their own work, and the disciplinary knowledge that represents it.

Source: TESOL Journal

DOI: 10.1002/tesj.70091

Authors: Amber N. Warren, Natalia A. Ward, Heidi Booker

Institutions: Vanderbilt University, East Tennessee State University

Language: English

Topic: Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,850