PORTRAITS OF LIVED EXPERIENCE:
TEACHERS IMPLEMENTING FIRST STEPS

by
Lynn A. Smith

Bachelor of Music (Hon.), University of Western Ontario, 1989

Bachelor of Education, Queen's University, 1990

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF EDUCATION
in the Graduate Academic Unit
of
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Supervisor:
Pamela Whitty, BA, BEd, MEd, EdD

Examining Board:
Alan Sears, BEd, MEd, PhD (Chair)
Kathleen Berry, BA, MEd, DPhil
Cheryl Gibson, BN, MScN, PhD
Sharon Myers, BEd, BA, MEd, EdD

This thesis is accepted

Dean of Graduate Studies

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK

July, 1999

ABSTRACT

The introduction of new literacy programs at a district level ultimately affects teachers in their individual classrooms. The implementation of First Steps in New Brunswick is an example of this. In my quest to understand how several New Brunswick teachers have oriented themselves to the phenomena of implementing a new program, such as First Steps, I have chosen phenomenology as my research framework. Through in-depth conversational interviews I have listened to individual teacher's "voices", with a desire to become more thoughtful and sensitive to the ways in which they live through the experiences of change in their own professional lives.

Thoughtful data analysis has led to the development of three themes: 1) priorities; 2) connectedness; and 3) accountability. As I have painted each teacher's story I have recognized that each one differs in their experiences under the same thematic umbrella. These unique experiences have painted each individual portrait. Upon reflection, I have also attempted to uncover and describe the meanings of each teacher's lived experience.

My study does not aim at changing the masses or providing answers to be used by those in power to change a profession. Instead, 1 have sought to present the lived experience of each individual so that we might reflect on our own walk through this world and become more experienced in doing so. Ultimately, this will cause us to ask new questions pushing us forward on our journey to new understandings and reflections.