1: The Experiences of Student Mothers in Initial Teacher Education: Background and Context

This book offers fresh, contemporary insights into the experiences and perceptions of women who combine parenthood and initial teacher education (ITE). Feminist research over decades consistently reports the struggles faced by women who combine teaching and motherhood (see, for example, Brown, 2023; Coleman, 2002; Komiti & Moorosi, 2020; Smith, 2011, 2016). A smaller body of research suggests that these challenges are also experienced by women following ITE programmes (see, for example, Griffiths, 2002; Lynch & Casey, 2024; Savage, 2023). Our book builds on this base to add new, up-to-date perspectives, taking into account women’s experiences both before and during COVID-19 restrictions.