The Equity-Focused Conferencing Protocol: Developing Student Teachers' Equity Awareness and Agency

• In Event: Promoting Agency and Equitable Teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to implement an equity-focused protocol to develop student teachers’ equity awareness and agency. A post-conferencing protocol was developed to engage teacher candidates in reflective discussions about their lived classroom and school experiences. Post conferencing reflective discussions and equity focused seminars aligned with the student teaching experience lead to professional growth an agency. Teacher candidates cites increased awareness and recognition of inequities in the classroom and/or school. Even though teacher candidates’ awareness increased, teacher candidates continued to search for strategies to address inequities in the classroom and schools. Teacher education programs need to consider methods to engage their teacher candidates in critical issues of equity to promote equity mined teachers.

Authors

• Stephanie Kotch-Jester, University of Delaware

• Nicholas Steven Bell, University of Delaware