Reconceptualizing Teachers as First Responders

Abstract

This conceptual paper builds upon prior ideas of teacher work in the United States to include the role of “first responder” and highlights how this idea can change the current approach to understanding their work experience. We answer the following questions: 1. Why should we include first-responders as part of our conceptualization of teachers and the work that they do? 2. How would this reconceptualization change how we currently understand the nature of the teacher work experience?  This paper expands upon existing literature of teachers, especially those who work with vulnerable populations.