Encontrando a nuestra gente: Educator Experiences in a Latinx Affinity Group

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Latina/o/x Research Issues SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Although about a quarter of all school-age children in the United States are Latinx, Latinx educators only account for eight percent of the teaching force (Latinos for Education, 2019). Furthermore, Latinx educators are often called up to serve as translators, despite a lack of support and mentorship. In this paper, we describe the experiences of 25 Latinx educators working in a large urban district who participated in a Latinx Affinity Group (LatxAG). Our initial findings suggest that these educators serve as advocates for Latinx students, parents, and families. In addition, they cite a lack of mentorship for Latinx educators. Important LatxAG provided an important space for them to network with and learn from other Latinx members of the district.

Authors

• Timothy Drake, North Carolina State University

• Lisa Bass, North Carolina State University

• Elizabeth Uzzell, North Carolina State University

• MariaRosa Rangel, Wake County Public School System