Crossing the Generational Divide

McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

BY Patricia Scallan Berl | June 1, 2008

This document may be printed, photocopied, and disseminated freely with attribution. All content is the property of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

On a daily basis, directors must confront diverse voice and views, each underscoring the distinct motivations, values, and ambitions of their teachers. One key element driving reoccurring differences among the mindsets of teachers is intergenerational conflict. On the job, these generational distinctions are becoming increasingly complex as multi-generation gaps emerge, with three or more generations defining roles and expectations, each trying for positions in a work world of shrinking upward opportunity. Experience and loyalty to an employer, once the principal factors for advancement, are quickly being replaced by merit, education, and advancing technological skills of younger workers. … Download this resource to read the rest of this story.


This resource is part of our archived Director’s Link newsletter series.

McCormick Institute for Early Childhood logo in blue text on a white-to-light-blue background
By Robyn Kelton & Nudrat Hassan June 25, 2026
Early childhood care and education (ECEC) program administrators play a pivotal role in shaping both the quality and sustainability of the programs they lead.
Show More