“Stories from the Field” Brings Practitioner Perspectives to Exchange Press

"Stories From the Field" is a recurring column in the Exchange Press magazine written by UofL's own Michele Hemenway Pullen. Michele is an educator with over 40 years of teaching experience who has been working in the field of justice and liberation curriculum writing for over 25 years, in addition to her teaching duties at the University of Louisville. Through this column, Michele will be offering stories about and from students in her early care and education courses, some of whom are first-generation college students.

Michele notes that one of her biggest inspirations for this column was the Japanese folklore surrounding fireflies, which expresses the belief that they are stars on earth, here to carry messages of light and hope to humans. She aims for this column to be a festival, celebrating the lights and wisdom that surround us, as we make our way with young children and their families, as well as each other as teachers. 

The ECRC is proud to support Michele’s work and the thoughtful perspectives she brings to early childhood education. Readers are invited to explore the column’s inaugural installment, "Honeycombs, Muhammad Ali and Beloved Community Helpers in Early Childhood Classrooms," which sets the tone for stories and reflections to come. 

"Stories From the Field" will continue monthly in Exchange Press. Stay tuned for the February installment, which will follow a former University of Louisville student in their journey as a first-grade teacher!