“Each Day, I Find Ways to Fight for My Students”: Black Science Teachers as Advocates and Abolitionists

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Teachers as Advocates and Abolitionists (Table 35)

Abstract

In this paper, we highlight the experiences of two Black STEM professionals who chose to enter the teaching profession. This study explored factors that influenced their decision to choose education and how being introduced to abolitionist teaching during teacher preparation informed their role as educators in the classroom. Narrative inquiry revealed stories of the teachers’ experiences, and analysis of these narratives led to the construction of two major themes. The participants were inspired to pursue science teaching to increase representation and serve as role models or extended family members for Black and Brown children to realize their potential, and including abolitionist teaching in the science teacher preparation program positioned early-career teachers to resist marring practices in their schools.

Authors

• Vanessa Nizeyimana Louis, University of Michigan

• Natalie S. King, Georgia State University