Exploring Intersecting Stories in Social Work Practice and Academic Leadership Through Co/Autoethnography

Friday, October 25, 2024

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM CT

Location: KC Convention Center, Poster 10A

Presenter(s)

Cassidy Baker, PhD, LCSW-S, ACSW (she/her/hers)

Department Chair
University of North Texas
Denton, TX, United States
Brenda Sweeten, LCSW (she/her/hers)

Clinical Professor/Director of Field Education/Foster Care Liaison
University of North Texas
Denton, TX, United States

Exploring intertwined professional journeys of two social work faculty members spanning over two decades, this study employs a collaborative autoethnographic approach, conceptually framed by the life course perspective. The focus is on discovering collective practice and learning experiences through shared narratives, and how intersecting career trajectories shape unique leadership approaches.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the application of collaborative autoethnography (CAE) as a methodological approach in social work research, particularly in exploring intersecting professional trajectories and identities.
Explore the conceptual framework of the life course perspective (LCP) and its relevance in understanding the interplay between personal life experiences and professional development over time within the field of social work.
Analyze the emergent themes and insights derived from the intersectional narratives of two social work faculty members, focusing on the influence of shared life experiences, career trajectories, and cultural context on their teaching styles and leadership approaches.