An Exploration of Black Women Teachers Providing a Quality Education Across Multiple Generations

• In Event: 75.037 - The Mediating Role of Teaching and Leadership in Shaping Pro-Black Educational Contexts

Abstract

This research considers the historical role of Black women as powerful figures central to the well-being and survival of the African American community over time. Framed by research perspectives from life course and Black feminist thought, this chapter explores the life histories of three generations of four Black women teacher-leaders from a family of educators. The research highlights how the Black women teacher-leaders of this family engaged the historical conditions of their generation to [re]conceptualize and enact a time- and context-specific form teaching practice(s) as community mothering dedicated to the wellbeing of Black children through education across generations. Respectful, caring relationships between educators and students have been identified as essential components of successful teaching for African American learners.

Authors

• Cleveland Hayes, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

• Brenda Gayle Juarez, University of Massachusetts - Amherst