The Back Burner: A Case Study of a Teacher's Dilemmas When Working With English Learners

• In Event: 68.060 - Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: 68.060-18 - Perspectives on Teacher Identities, Language, and Empowerment

Abstract

Increasingly, mainstream classroom teachers are working with English learners; however, little is known about what dilemmas these teachers face in their practice with linguistically diverse students. Using a dilemmatic spaces framework, this case study explored the dilemmas a fourth grade teacher negotiated while working with English learners in her low-incidence school. Drawing upon multiple data sources, (i.e., observations, interviews, and artifact analysis), and using iterative and thematic analysis techniques, three dilemmas were identified. These included: a lack of professional experience with English learners, lack of school support, and conflicting administrative expectations. These findings pose important considerations for the teaching and teacher education community regarding how to prepare mainstream teachers to increase the linguistic and academic opportunities of English learners.

Author

• Amanda T. Sugimoto, Portland State University