Paraprofessionals of Color, Self-Efficacy, and the Racialized Stakeholder Dilemma

• In Event: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Teachers' Lives: Critical Methodologies and Critical Stories

Abstract

A mixed methods study explores the self-efficacy of paraprofessionals of color, and their view of the cultural proficiency of the lead teacher and its impact on teaching and learning. Using surveys and interviews to inductively analyze paraprofessional beliefs, this study offers a critical race and coloniality informed counternarrative on the impact of race and culture on the academic success of students of color. Preliminary findings suggest the need for culturally proficient learning experiences for all educators, with attention to the ways marginalization of people of color is reinforced in the power differential between teachers and paraprofessionals.

Author

• Jamel Adkins-Sharif, Rutgers University - New Brunswick