Cries From the Crucible: The Case for Self-Study in the Time of Trump

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Self-Study as a Tool to Develop Novice Teacher Educator Practices

Abstract

Arguing that self-study is uniquely suited for responding to problems of practice during the Trump administration, I, a novice teacher educator, share what it was like to teach pre-service teachers during the 2016 election. In selecting a self-study design, I followed Barile’s (2016) advice to 1) question and discuss what I do in the classroom, 2) think critically about my practice, 3) break down walls and allow for meaningful discourse, 4) see things from a different perspective, and 5) transform. My experience, shared here, enabled me to reflect on my practice in real time, constantly modifying my pedagogy in response to critical feedback. In light of the significant sociopolitical backdrop, my experience also provides insight for fellow teacher educators.

Author

• Elizabeth Currin, University of South Carolina