“These Kids Are Paying Attention”: Using Critical Race Theory to Develop Socially Just Classrooms

• In Event: Building Educational Possibilities: Migrants, Refugees, and Students of Color

Abstract

The paper tells the story of Valerie, an elementary school teacher. Using a critical race theory (CRT) framework, I show how Valerie disrupted dominant discourses about both students of color and curriculum, centered racial awareness and the knowledge of students of color, and created a cohesive classroom community based on social justice.

Author

• Benjamin Blaisdell, East Carolina University