Latinx Educators as Arbiters of Change: Post-Truth Counternarratives

• In Event: 15.022 - Black and Latinx Issues in Teacher Retention

Abstract

This qualitative case study highlights a university-school district partnership, RISE, to increase the number of Spanish-English speaking teachers in one Georgia county by covering students’ tuitions and hiring them as part-time paraprofessionals as they become certified educators. Our goal with RISE (Realizing Inspiring and Successful Educators) is to support the academic, financial, and educational goals of future Latinx educators who contribute to their school system with their diverse knowledge and experience. Interviews with participants illustrate not only the myriad ways in which they relate to K-12 students with similar backgrounds, but also provide insight into ways to create more inclusive P-16 classrooms, better support students migrating to the U.S., and encourage Latinx youth who choose education as a career pathway.

Authors

• Sheri Carmel Hardee, University of North Georgia

• Lauren C Johnson, University of North Georgia