Empowering Teacher Educators: Advancing Culturally Responsive Practices Through Professional Development

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Equity at the Heart of Professional Growth: Strategies for Sustainability, and Culturally Responsive Practices (Table 24)

Abstract

This descriptive research study aimed to examine the impact of a culturally responsive teaching professional development initiative on seven teacher educators' self-efficacy and ability to implement culturally responsive practices in their coursework. The study consisted of six phases over five years, involving the evaluation of existing coursework, faculty training, community partnerships, and curriculum revisions. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed, including a culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy survey, content analysis of all course syllabi in the program, interviews, exit tickets, and classroom observations. The findings revealed that the professional development had a positive impact on teacher educators' self-efficacy in implementing culturally responsive practices.

Authors

• Katia Ciampa, Widener University

• Dana Reisboard, Widener University