Cultivating Equitable Educational Opportunities for English Learners: Culturally Responsive and Asset-Based Professional Development for Teachers

• In Event: Teacher Perceptions and Enactments of Culturally Sustaining Practices

Abstract

The researchers outline pedagogical approaches presented in professional development (PD) workshops to guide teachers to use culturally responsive and asset-based approaches in their teaching to empower English learner (EL) students. A culturally responsive mindset fosters a caring, student-centered learning environment that nurtures content knowledge and language development of English learners through cultural and linguistic asset-based teaching approaches that recognize students’ strengths and builds on the learning processes needed for individual academic growth. Responses on the PD effectiveness survey administered in spring 2021indicate that the PD allowed teachers a space to reflect on their ideological perspectives towards their English learners and focus on the assets rather than deficits they bring to their classrooms.

Authors

• Annette M. Daoud, California State University - San Marcos

• Ana M. Hernandez, California State University - San Marcos