“Drops in a Very Racist Bucket”: Black Women Teachers’ Perspectives on Equity-Focused Professional Learning

• In Event: Black Women Teachers' Reflections and Resistance

Abstract

This study explores the organizational experiences of Black women teachers in urban schools, focusing on the influence of equity-focused professional learning. Despite policy initiatives to address ethnic-racial imparity in the teacher workforce, Black teachers' representation has steadily declined, and turnover rates remain high. Drawing on Black feminist Thought, this study uses narrative inquiry to understand how Black women teachers perceive and experience equity-focused professional learning. Findings reveal that while such initiatives have some merits, they fall short in addressing micro-aggressions and systemic inequalities. The research highlights the need for intersectional approaches in fostering inclusive workplaces for teachers of color.

Author

• Andrea Terrero Gabbadon, Teach Plus