When We Know Better, We Do Better: Black Urban Teachers’ Storied Experiences

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 4:20 pm
  In Roundtable Session: #TeachingWhileBlack: Pushing Schools to Do Better by Black Teachers (Table 15)

Abstract

This paper reports on racial microaggressions experienced by Black teachers (current and former) within the School District of Philadelphia. We share findings based on interviews and focus groups with 30 educators around the racial composition of schools and neighborhoods most frequently associated with racial microinvalidations and microinsults, as well as themes around factors that help to retain and sustain Black teachers. Recommendations are drawn from the expertise of participants who shared their storied experiences with researchers in the hopes of systemic changes that will do better by Black teachers and other educators of color, honoring their deep expertise and sustaining them at this critical time characterized by racially disproportionate attrition within the field.

Authors

• Lynnette Mawhinney, Rutgers University - Newark

• Leana Cabral, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Jill Pierce, Research Triangle Institute