Stories of Diversity and Citizenship: Constructing Self and Other in Teacher Education for English Learners

• In Event: Teacher Perspectives on English Language Learners and Diverse Learners: Translations of Theory Into Classroom Practices

Abstract

This paper examines constructions of difference that permeate the life history narratives of 14 culturally and linguistically diverse content area preservice teachers as they share their beliefs about the academic, linguistic, and social strengths and needs of English learners (ELs). Analysis focuses on citizenship as a power-laden dimension of diversity in response to participants’ narrative voicing of nationalist ideologies. Findings show how participants narratively construct difference between themselves and others; express a sense of belonging and community membership; and imagine educational rights of ELs as citizens in mainstream classrooms. This research challenges categorical identity constructions and urges critical examinations of the ways in which preservice teachers’ conceptions of diversity and citizenship influence (mis)conceptions of ELs as learners/participants in classroom communities.

Authors

• Terri L. Rodriguez, College of Saint Benedict

• Nihat Polat, Duquesne University