The Power and Possibility of Stories: Learning to Become Culturally Sustaining and Socially Just Educators

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Social Justice Leadership Development: Narrative and Protocols

Abstract

Our investigation focused on how the use of stories might support teacher and principal candidates in learning to become more culturally sustaining, socially just educators. We examined the work teacher and principal candidates completed within the context of separate courses we teach. Teacher candidates (TCs) carried out family engagement activities and reflected on the activity in writing, examining their professional growth. Principal candidates (PCs) wrote about and reflected on an event from their life involving family, school, and community and presented it to classmates. This coursework resulted in new stories full of insights about family engagement. These stories may serve as one powerful way to help TCs and PCs move toward becoming culturally sustaining, socially just educators.

Authors

• Kathleen Mary Cowin, Washington State University - Tri-Cities

• Sarah Newcomer, Washington State University - Tri-Cities