Time for Transformation: Preparing White Teachers to Teach Students of Color

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: Supporting White Educators to Become Antiracist and Transformative Educators (Table 31)

Abstract

Research suggests that teacher preparation programs are not preparing white teachers to teach students of color (Bell & Busey, 2021; Milner et al., 2013; Sleeter, 2017). This study investigated teacher preparation programs’ impact on teachers’ self-efficacy for teaching students of color by conducting semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 10, white, novice, secondary teachers. Four significant themes emerged: (1) Racism was Commonplace, (2) Whiteness as Property, (3) Interest Convergence, and (4) Insufficient Preparation.

This study revealed that teachers were underprepared to teach students of color, and suggested this insufficient preparation was intentional. This study’s findings produced notable action steps for districts, universities, and states to help ensure teachers are prepared to teach students of color.

Authors

• Adam Eckard, Jonesboro Public Schools

• Lisa Nieuwenhuizen, William Woods University