Exploring Cultural/Teaching Identities as Decolonizing Praxis in Teacher Education

• In Event: Curricular Explorations of Self- and Teacher Identities

Abstract

As teacher educators and members of a minoritized groups, we are committed to explore alternatives to prepare a teaching force that embraces diversity and intersectionality with the purpose to learn how to better serve students who may be of a different group. Using Digital Testimonios (Benmayor, 2012) with pre-service teachers, we embarked in an inter-institutional research project directed to help students reflect on their own life experiences and “take inventory” (Anzaldúa, 1987), become aware of their multiple identities/roles and its impact on who they are personally and professionally. We aim at developing an understanding of intersectionality and the complexity of building alliances and support networks in their teaching practice.

Authors

• Freyca Calderon-Berumen, Penn State University Altoona

• Miryam Espinosa-Dulanto, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

• Karla O'Donald, Texas Christian University