Elizabeth Swadener
Emeritus Professor
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Phone: 480-965-1452
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School of Social Transformation 212 Wilson Hall PO Box 85287-4902 TEMPE, AZ 85287
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Long Bio
Beth Blue Swadener is professor of justice studies and of Social and Cultural Pedagogy in the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on internationally comparative social policy, with focus on sub-Saharan Africa, impacts of neoliberal policy on local communities, and children's rights and voices. She has co-edited and authored 14 books, including "Children and Families 'At Promise'," "Does the Village Still Raise the Child?", "Decolonizing Research in Cross-Cultural Context," "Children's Rights and Education," and "Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Care and Education: A Reader." Her most recent books (in press) include "The Routledge Internatiional Handbook on Young Children's Rights" (with Murray and Smith) and Educating for Social Justice in Early Childhood" (with Kessler). Swadener is a co-founder of the Jirani Project, supporting children in Kenya, Local to Global Justice and Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE), and is active in several child advocacy organizations.
Education
Beth Blue Swadener has a Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood and Multicultural Education emphasis), M.S. from Universiy of Wisconsin-Madison in Child Developnment and B.S. from Indiana University at South Bend in Pyschology and Philosophy.
Publications
- Ndimande, B.S. & Swadener, B.B. Children’s rights and cultural tensions in South Africa. International Journal of Equity and Innovation in Early Childhood (2012).
- Beth Blue Swadener & Valerie Polakow. Introduction to the Special Issue on Children's Rights and Voices in Research: Cross-National Perspectives. Early Education and Development (2011).
- Kagendo Mutua & Beth Blue Swadener. Challenges to Inclusive Education in Kenya: Postcolonial Perspectives and Family Narratives. Inclusive Education: Examining Equity on Five Continents (2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener. Child rights approaches to social and educational inclusion: Cross national perspectives. Proccedings from Pedagogy, Culture & Politics of Education: Dialogue for Inclusion conference September 10-11, 2011) Artistotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2011).
- . Children's Rights and Voices in Research: Cross-national Perspectives. (2011).
- Aysegul Ciyer; Mark Nagasawaa; Beth Blue Swadenera; Pradnya Patet. Impacts of the Arizona System Ready/Child Ready Professional Development Project on Preschool Teachers' Self-Efficacy. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education (2010).
- Una Children’s Rights Learning Group [B.B. Swadener, lead author/executive editor]. Children’s Rights in Una and Beyond: Transnational Perspectives (Una Working Paper #7). online (on website of international project: Joint Learning Initiative on Children and Ethnic Diversity - Una) (2010).
- Swadener, B.B. & O'Brien, L. Social responsibility and teaching young children: An education for living in ethical and caring ways. Social Justice, Peace, and Environmental Education: Transformative Standards (2009).
- Swadener, B.B., Aquino-Sterling, C., Nakagawa, M., & Bartlett, M. Anti-oppressive Pedagogy in Early Childhood Teacher Education: A Conversation. Critical Pedagogy and Teacher Education in the Neoliberal Era: Small Openings (2009).
- Rolstad, K., Swadener, B.B., Nakagawa, N. "Verde - sometimes we call it green": Construal of language difference and power in a preschool dual immersion program. International Journal of Equity and Innovation in Early Childhood (2008).
- Swadener, B.B. Children’s rights, voices and allies: Stories from Kenya and the USA. International Journal of Equity and Innovation in Early Childhood (2008).
- Swadener, B.B. & Mutua, K. Decolonizing performances: Deconstructing the global postcolonial. Handbook of Critical and Indigenous Methodologies (HCM) (2008).
- Bloch, M.N. & Swadener, B.B. "Education for All"- Social Inclusions and Exclusions: Introduction and Critical Reflections. International Journal of Educational Policy, Research & Practice: Reconceptualizing Childhood Studies (2007).
- Cannella, G.S. & Swadener, B.B. Contemporary public policy influencing children and families: "Compassionate" social provision or the regulation of "Others.". International Journal of Educational Policy, Research and Practice: Reconceptualizing Childhood Studies (2006).
- G Cannella, Elizabeth Swadener. Contemporary Public Policy Influencing Children and Families: "Compassionate" Social Provision Or the Regulation of "Others. International Journal of Educational Policy, Research and Practice: Reconceptualizing Childhood Studies (2006).
- Mutua, N.K. & Swadener, B. B. Physical Disability and the Cultural Construction of Manhood: Dialectics of Capitalism and Postcoloniality. Linking Research and Education: In Special Education: An International Perspectives Perspective (2005).
- N Mutua, Elizabeth Swadener. Physical Disability and the Cultural Construction of Manhood: Dialectics of Capitalism and Postcoloniality. Linking Research and Education. Special Education: An International Perspectives Perspective (2005).
- Martinez-Roldan, Carmen M. Bilingual children in literature discussions. Power and Voice in Research with Children (2005).
- M Kabiru, A Njenga, Elizabeth Swadener. Early Childhood Development in Kenya: Empowering Young Mothers, Mobilizing a Community. Childhood Education (International Focus Issue) (2003).
- Elizabeth Swadener, E Hall. Chilly climate: A mixed-method study of subtle sex discrimination at a state university. Initiatives (on-line Journal of the National Association for Women in Education) (2000).
- Consortium of Arizona State Universities [B.B. Swadener, lead author/executive editor]. Family and Community Case Study Final Report (First Things First External Evaluation). Technical Report (0).
- Consortium of Arizona State Universities [B.B. Swadener, lead author/executive editor]. Final Report (statewide) Arizona Child Care Demand Study. online (0).
- Una Children’s Rights Learning Group [Swadener, B.B. lead author/executive editor]. Children’s Rights in Cultural Contexts (Una Working Paper #8). Una website (0).
- Mitakidou, S. & Swadener, B.B. Epilogue. Educational Policy on Teaching and Learning in Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East (0).
- Swadener, B. B., Cannella, G. S. & Che, Y. Reconceptualizing dominant (U.S.) early childhood education: An introduction with personal reflections. International Perspectives on Early Childhood Education (0).
- Swadener, B.B., Mitakidou, S., Tressou, L., & Grant, C.A. Introduction. Beyond pedagogies of exclusion in diverse childhood contexts: Transnational challenges (0).
- Swadener, B.B., Wachira, P., Kabiru, M. & Njenga, A. Africa's Future: Africa's Challenge. Early Childhood Care and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa's Future: Africa's Challenge. Early Childhood Care and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa (0).
Research Activity
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*. Entry Points for Quality Child Care. (7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016).
- Brayboy,Bryan*, Chadwick,Deborah Lynn, Mccarty,Teresa L, Romero-Little,Mary Eunice, Romero-Little,Mary Eunice, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue. GRE2ATE - Gila RIver Early Educators Attaining Teaching Excellence. ED(7/1/2012 - 6/30/2016).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*, Nakagawa,Kathryn, Perry,Nancy Jean. YR 4-5: First-Thing-First Evaluation - Aggregate. UNIV OF AZ(7/1/2011 - 1/31/2012).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*. Arizona Demand and Capacity for Early Child Care. UNIV OF AZ(6/1/2010 - 12/30/2011).
- Brayboy,Bryan*, Brayboy,Bryan*, Romero-Little,Mary Eunice, Romero-Little,Mary Eunice, Romero-Little,Mary Eunice, Romero-Little,Mary Eunice, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue. Project Mashchamtham Native Early Childhood Education Teachers for Arizona's Indian Children. ED(7/1/2009 - 6/30/2014).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*, Enz,Billie Jean, Enz,Billie Jean, Enz,Billie Jean, Kelley,Michael Francis, Kelley,Michael Francis, Perry,Nancy Jean, Perry,Nancy Jean, Tobin,Joseph Jay, Tobin,Joseph Jay, Tobin,Joseph Jay. YR 1-3: First Things First Evaluation - Aggregate. UNIV OF AZ(1/1/2009 - 6/30/2011).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*. Joint Learning Initiative on Children and Ethnic Divsersity ("JLICED"). QUB(10/15/2008 - 12/31/2013).
- Wilcox,M Jeanne*, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue. Interdisciplinary Predoctoral Training Focusing on Young Children with Disabilities in the Southwest Borderlands. ED(1/1/2007 - 12/31/2011).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*, Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*, Gray,Shelley Irene, Restrepo,Maria Adelaida, Rolstad,Kellie, Rolstad,Kellie, Rolstad,Kellie, Wilcox,M Jeanne. Literacy Language and Culture Focus for Early Childhood Educators. HHS-ACF(9/30/2005 - 6/30/2012).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*. Refugee Child Care Consultation. Assoc Supportive Child Car(7/1/2005 - 6/30/2006).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*. Jumpstart Program. JUMPSTART(10/1/2004 - 9/30/2007).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*. Refugee Child Care Program Consultancy. Assoc Supportive Child Car(8/16/2004 - 6/15/2005).
- Swadener,Elizabeth Blue*, Lamorey,Suzanne G. ARIZONA SYSTEM READY/CHILDREN READY (AZSRCR) EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT. ED(9/15/2003 - 9/14/2006).
Courses
2025 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SOS 799 | Dissertation |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SPF 792 | Research |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| DCI 784 | Internship |
| DCI 790 | Reading and Conference |
| DCI 792 | Research |
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
| EDA 799 | Dissertation |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SOS 799 | Dissertation |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SPF 792 | Research |
2023 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| DCI 784 | Internship |
| DCI 790 | Reading and Conference |
| DCI 792 | Research |
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
| EDA 799 | Dissertation |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SOS 799 | Dissertation |
| JUS 790 | Reading and Conference |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SPF 792 | Research |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| DCI 784 | Internship |
| DCI 790 | Reading and Conference |
| DCI 792 | Research |
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
| EDA 799 | Dissertation |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JUS 592 | Research |
| JUS 599 | Thesis |
| JUS 792 | Research |
| JUS 799 | Dissertation |
| SOS 799 | Dissertation |
| SST 592 | Research |
| SST 593 | Applied Project |
| JUS 530 | Policy, Advocacy & Disability |
| SST 599 | Thesis |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JUS 592 | Research |
| JUS 599 | Thesis |
| JUS 790 | Reading and Conference |
| JUS 792 | Research |
| JUS 799 | Dissertation |
| SPF 792 | Research |
| JUS 500 | Research Methods |
| SST 590 | Reading and Conference |
| SST 592 | Research |
| SST 593 | Applied Project |
2021 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| EDA 799 | Dissertation |
| DCI 784 | Internship |
| DCI 790 | Reading and Conference |
| DCI 792 | Research |
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JUS 592 | Research |
| JUS 599 | Thesis |
| JUS 792 | Research |
| JUS 799 | Dissertation |
| SOS 799 | Dissertation |
| WST 792 | Research |
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| DCI 792 | Research |
| DCI 784 | Internship |
| DCI 790 | Reading and Conference |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 792 | Research |
| EPA 784 | Internship |
| SST 592 | Research |
| SST 593 | Applied Project |
| JUS 530 | Policy, Advocacy & Disability |
2020 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JUS 592 | Research |
| JUS 593 | Applied Project |
| JUS 599 | Thesis |
| JUS 792 | Research |
| JUS 799 | Dissertation |
| WST 799 | Dissertation |
| DCI 792 | Research |
| EPA 792 | Research |
| SPF 792 | Research |
| DCI 784 | Internship |
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
| JUS 500 | Research Methods |
| SST 592 | Research |
| JUS 790 | Reading and Conference |
2020 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JUS 592 | Research |
| DCI 790 | Reading and Conference |
| DCI 792 | Research |
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
| EDA 799 | Dissertation |
| WST 792 | Research |
2020 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JUS 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| JUS 493 | Honors Thesis |
| JUS 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| JUS 590 | Reading and Conference |
| JUS 592 | Research |
| JUS 599 | Thesis |
| JUS 790 | Reading and Conference |
| JUS 792 | Research |
| JUS 799 | Dissertation |
| SOS 799 | Dissertation |
| WST 792 | Research |
| DCI 799 | Dissertation |
| DCI 792 | Research |
| DCI 599 | Thesis |
| DCI 784 | Internship |
| DCI 790 | Reading and Conference |
| EPA 799 | Dissertation |
| EPA 792 | Research |
| EPA 784 | Internship |
| SST 590 | Reading and Conference |
| WST 593 | Applied Project |
| JUS 593 | Applied Project |
| JUS 598 | Special Topics |
| JUS 235 | Disability, Justice & Advocacy |
Presentations
- Beth Blue Swadener. Children’s rights in research: Cross national examples. Invited Lecture, Forum for Children, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland (Oct 2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener & Lacey Peters. Talking to Kindergarteners: Learning about the transition to kindergarten from and with children. RECE (reconceptualizing early childhood education) 19th international conference (Oct 2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener. Child rights approaches to social and educational inclusion: Cross national perspectives. Keynote presentation, Pedagogy, Culture & Politics of Education: Dialogue for Inclusion conference, (Sep 2011).
- Kagendo Mutua & Beth Blue Swadener. Semiotics of Disability in Swahili Language use in Kenya. annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (New Orleans) (May 2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener & Kagendo Mutua. Deconstructing Disability in Swahili Text: For What Public Good?. annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (May 2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener & Lacey Peters. Children's Rights and Consultation in Research. Una Biennial International Conference, Amsterdam (May 2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener & Bekisizwe Ndimande. Children's Rights and Community Perpectives in South Africa. Una Biennial international conference, Amsterdam (May 2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener & Mark Nagasawa. Navigating Early Childhood Policy and Practice: Glocalization and Reconceptualization. annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (Apr 2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener, Lacey Peters & Sonya Gaches. Children as Research Consultants: Utilization of Articles 12 and 13 of the United Nation’s Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (Apr 2011).
- Beth Blue Swadener & Valerie Polakow. Children’s Rights, Voices & Participation in Six Nations: Phase 1 of a Collaborative Qualitative Study. RECE 18th reconcpetualizing early childhood education international conference (Oct 2010).
- Valerie Polakow & Beth Blue Swadener. Where Children’s Rights and Perspectives Matter: A Cross-National Qualitative Study. annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (Denver) (Apr 2010).
- Kagendo Mutua & Beth Blue Swadener. Re-imagining Inclusion: A postcolonial-disability Studies Perspective on Education in Kenya. annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (Denver) (Apr 2010).
- Beth Blue Swadener. Searching for children in public discourses: A cross-national study of children’s rights, voices and allies. RECE reconceptualizing early childhood education international conference, Victoria, BC CANADA (Oct 2008).
- Beth Blue Swadener. Unlearning oppression, becoming stronger allies for diverse children and families. Equity and Innovation in Early Childhood annual conference (Nov 2007).
- Rolstad, Kellie, Swadener, Elizabeth. Playing with bilingualism: Young children in a preschol dual immersion program. (Dec 2004).
Service
- International Journal of Equity and Innovation in Early Childhood, Editorial Board member, reviewer (2008 - 2018)
- Association for Supportive Child Care, Secretary, Board of Directors and member of several committees (2004 - 2016)
- Crisis Nursery (Phoenix, AZ), Board of Directors member (2010 - 2015)
- Local to Global Justice, Coordinator, faculty adviser, & co-founder (2001 - 2015)
- Early Education & Development, Editorial Board member (1992 - 2015)
- TEACH Early Childhood of Arizona, Advisory Board member (2008 - 2014)
- Journal of Early Childhood Research, Editorial Board member (2004 - 2014)
- Palgrave Macmillan, Book series editor (2007 - 2013)
- Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE) Liaison -, Liaison - Program Committee and Host Committee, 21st international conference, Nairobi Kenya (Kenyatta Univ) (2012 - 2013)
- American Educational Research Journal (AERJ), Associate Editor (2010 - 2013)
- RECE Awards Committee, co-chair (2012 - 2012)
- Child Care Resource and Referral, Advisory committee member (2009 - 2012)
- Early Education and Development, Guest Editor (2011 - 2011)