Expressions of Black (Mathematics) Teacher Resistance to Whiteness and Systemic Educational Racism

• In Event: Educators of Color on Race and Resistance

Abstract

The mixed-methods [blinded for review] project examines problems with recruitment and retention of Black teachers of mathematics. The study documents the racialized experiences of these educators through oral histories with retired teachers and focus groups with practicing Black mathematics teachers. This paper draws the arc of resistance to racism – defined as evidence of actions and dispositions that explicitly affirm the humanity, capacities, and excellence of Black people -- from pre-desegregation-era math instruction, and the stories of oral history and focus group participants, to contemporary teachers. The findings offer guidance for retaining Black teachers of mathematics in U.S. schools.

Authors

• Jenice Leilani View, George Mason University

• Toya Jones Frank, George Mason University

• Asia Williams, George Mason University

• Marvin Powell, George Mason University

• Jay Bradley, George Mason University