Elementary Teacher Preparation: Navigating Barriers to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• In Event: Raising Critical Consciousness: Deconstructing Ideologies and Dismantling Programmatic Practices for Justice

Abstract

Preparing teachers to center diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their practice is critical for student well-being and success, but more attention is needed in elementary teacher preparation programs. In an in-depth, qualitative case study of eleven teachers across the United States, this research explores elementary teacher perceptions of effective practices to train teachers in the overarching areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our findings emphasize the obstacles inherent to doing this work, and that teacher preparation must include explicit strategies for navigating these challenges. We explore not only how to coach teachers on approaching their work through a DEI lens, but how to actually equip them to do so in the face of roadblocks that they encounter.

Authors

• Madora Soutter, Villanova University

• Joanna Timmerman, Eastern University