Let's Talk About Race: Equipping Social Studies Teachers With Racial-Pedagogical-Content Knowledge

• In Event: Cultivating Critical Consciousness in Teacher Education

Abstract

Social studies classrooms are often lauded as ideal spaces where productive conversations centered around race/ism can, and should occur. Unfortunately, social studies classrooms have yet to live up to this reality as traditional social studies instruction continues to persist. In order for social studies teachers to teach in critical ways that address race/ism in society, the author contends they must be equipped with a sophisticated level of racial-pedagogical-content knowledge (RPCK; Chandler, 2015). This design-based research study explores the extent to which professional development centered around critical race explorations can develop social studies teachers’ RPCK. Findings suggest the professional development was beneficial to participants’ overall RPCK development as each displayed some growth by the study’s conclusion.

Author

• Chantelle Grace, Florida State University
  Presenting Author