How (Some) White Teachers Become Color-Conscious

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Taking Risks and Challenging Racism: Going Beneath the Surface of Whiteness

Abstract

Most White Americans have color-blind racial ideologies; however, educators with color-conscious racial ideologies have been shown to be more effective teachers of students of color. Educational institutions must find ways to shift teachers’ beliefs about race and racism, though little is known about how and why some White teachers adopt color-conscious racial ideologies. In this paper, we combine data from two dissertation studies on teachers’ racial ideologies to identify the patterns and commonalities among our color-conscious participants. We find that a) color-conscious teachers demonstrated engagement with research and writing on race and racism and b) color-conscious teachers had personal experiences that led them to develop color-conscious beliefs. We conclude with recommendations for research and practice.

Authors

• Ross Whiting, Temple University

• Karen Pezzetti, Grand Valley State University