Testimonios of Latino Male Preservice Teachers as Models for Caring, Bilingualism, and Biculturalism

• In Event: Supporting Preservice Teachers of Color

Abstract

This study presents testimonios of three Latino male preservice teachers highlighting the factors that led them to access college and choose careers in teaching elementary. The study explores the link between navigational capital (Yosso, 2005) in first generation college students and the importance of encouragement from school counselors and teachers. Identified are possible reasons for Latino males struggling in college: lack of support systems and not building confianza with their counselors or professors to approach them for help. Emphasized is also the potential for Latino teachers to act as models of bilingualism and biculturalism. Their bilingualism makes them an asset to help monolingual Spanish speaking parents build confianza and feel confortable seeking them for advice on their children’s college aspirations.

Author

• Gilberto P. Lara, The University of Texas - Austin