"The Multi-Faceted Kindergarten Teachers" — A Multicultural Perception of Kindergarten Teachers' Role in Light of the 'New Horizon' Reform

Abstract

This study aimed to expose the perception of kindergarten teachers' role from a multicultural aspect, following the 'New Horizon' reform, i.e. a systemic change which transpired during the last decade in Israeli kindergartens and schools. The study was conducted in a qualitative-interpretive approach and the research population comprised eight female kindergarten teachers, four Bedouin and four Jewish. The data were collected by a semi-structured interview. The research findings illustrate procedural changes in the perception of kindergarten teachers' role following the reform: from an organisational change through a pedagogical change and up to a leadership-oriented change. The contribution of the study resides in providing applied information which will constitute another layer in the development of education and professional development programmes for kindergarten teachers.