Shifting the Gaze: Teacher-Led AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander)-Centered Curriculum

• In Event: Asian and Asian American Education

Abstract

In light of the growing number of districts mandating AAPI history, it is critical that teachers are provided adequate training and guidance on how to incorporate AAPI history into K-12 curriculum in ways in which it aligns with state standards and also center resilience and AAPI perspectives and voices. As such, 10 grade 6-12 NYC teacher participants (English and social studies) were selected to participate in a three-day intensive professional development provided by the Asian American Education Project, after which each of the participants created two lesson plans. Using an Asian Critical Theory lens, the researchers analyzed 20 lesson plans. The findings urges teachers to push the boundaries of what it means to teach AAPI history and perspectives.

Authors

• Minkyung Choi, Montclair State University

• Elise Langan, Bronx Community College