In this episode, I’m joined by Carol Garboden Murray, director of the Wimpfheimer Laboratory Nursery School at Vassar College. She is a lifelong lover of the youngest children, ages 0 - 5, and thinks a lot about what it means to teach and care for them. Early childhood education, care, and love are very dear to my heart. I know that teachers of young children have special skills and talents that teachers at all levels should consider and adopt. I hope this interview inspires you to think about and adopt them for yourself!
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
We discuss:
Caring for vs. caring about: Why “caring about” social justice or education is easy, but the actual, physical labor of fostering healthy development is where the real work happens.
The neuroscience of caring: How high-level empathy is a blend of neurological functioning and intuitive, creative practice.
Limits of caring: An honest look at what happens when caregiving stops being “beautiful” and starts being exhausting.
Professional Love: Defining a radical framework for love in the classroom that goes beyond “niceness.”
External Links
Carol’s Website
Carol’s book, Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities
Mentioned in this episode
TTE episode with Sarah Becker: Pre-school teachers have it right: Professional Love
Caring: A Feminine Approach to Ethics and Moral Education by Nel Noddings
The Real Wealth of Nations by Riane Eisler
The Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler
A Different Voice by Carol Gilligan
Awakening the Inner Eye: Intuition in Education by Nel Noddings with Paul J. Shore
I and Thou by Martin Buber
Carol mentions other thinkers without specifying publications. If you’re curious about any of them, get in touch and I’ll ask Carol for links.
Connect & Share
Got a story to share? Is “Professional Love” a term you’ve used in your school? Or does the idea of “Radical Love” feel a bit too intense for the classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave me a voicemail at (413) 239-4158 and we might feature your perspective in a future episode!
Support the Show: If this conversation resonated, please consider leaving a rating or review on your podcast app. Your feedback helps others find us.
Get full access to the community: [www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe]
Credits
Founder and Host: Betsy Burris
Co-Host: Joe Johnson
Producer: Jullian Androkae of PodVision
Audience Development: Andreea Coscai of PodVision
Music: Tom Burris/Jabbering Trout
