To Affinity and Beyond! Building Brave Spaces for Diverse Teachers

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Being Brave: Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Race in Teacher Education (Table 38)

Abstract

Affinity groups are people connected by some common purpose, ideology, or interest. In our program, we explore the use of affinity groups, based on identities in teacher education as a means to facilitate diverse teacher preparation, retention, and professional development. Our study includes 151 current, future, and in-training teachers who participated in professional development opportunities and self-created affinity groups. In addition to engaging in activities regarding social-emotional learning, healing centered engagement, and culturally sustaining pedagogy, participants completed feedback surveys. Observations and qualitative data were coded and grouped into themes. Results indicate that participants find affinity in a wide range of ways based on their identities and appreciate the use of affinity groups. Additionally, affinity groups facilitate belonging, self-awareness, and resilience.

Authors

• Benjamin Seipel, California State University - Chico

• Nora Aguilar-McKay, California State University - Chico

• Claudia M. Bertolone-Smith, California State University - Chico

• Char Adelia Moffit, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Karen Schreder, California State University - Chico

• Tal Slemrod, California State University - Chico

• Erin H. Whitney, California State University - Chico