The Racial Reckoning of a Chinese American Teacher During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: (Un)Learning Processes and Practices of Teacher Education: Lessons From the Global Pandemic

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anti-Asian hate crimes increased while research and attention highlighting experiences of teachers of Color (TOC), particularly Asian Americans, remained low. Using artifacts from current events, elementary school teaching, and graduate school, I conducted self-study research to examine my lived experiences as a Chinese American teacher in predominantly White institutions (PWI) during COVID-19. Analyses revealed intertwined patterns in my experiences. Specifically, the nuanced interaction of the importance of validation, the internalization of the Model Minority Myth, and a delayed racial identity development due to Asianization emerged. These findings may provide insight into experiences of TOC during times of racial reckoning and increased visibility; they may also contribute to literature on TOC, particularly Asian American teachers.

Authors

• Alicia Powell, Fusion Academy

• Lynne Kganetso, Brigham Young University

• Ramona Maile Cutri, Brigham Young University

• Jennifer J. Wimmer, Brigham Young University