"I Hate the Mirror!" Teachers Reflect on Their Attitudes and Behaviors Toward African American Boys

• In Event: Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: Promoting Equity and Diversity Through Systems Thinking

Abstract

This case study explores one Title 1 school principal’s efforts to counter teachers’ hostile attitudes and behaviors toward African American boys through the development of school cultural expectations and professional learning. This article is part of a larger study centered on issues of promoting organizational cultural proficiency through district-wide professional learning. After one year of PD provided by the school leader, findings revealed that teachers: reconciled their misconceptions with shared values; experienced a narrowing of dissonance through introspective coaching; and, underwent a redefinition and revisit of the self. Principal classroom walk throughs, however, indicated some teachers’ dealings with African American boys reverted to caustic behaviors that challenged notions of respect and dignity.

Author

• Miriam Deborah Ezzani, University of North Texas