A Study-Away Experience: Preparing Teacher Candidates for Education Advocacy and Antiracism in Washington, DC

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 9:00 am
  In Roundtable Session: Activism in Education: Teachers Fighting in Solidarity With Students (Table 33)

Abstract

Teacher preparation programs are actively examining coursework that prepares candidates for antiracism. However, even with the integrating of antiracist education, preservice teachers may need to be provided with the knowledge and preparedness to transfer into their teaching practices (Doucet & Adair, 2013: Shah & Coles, 2020). Our study away course, “Education Advocacy for Anti-Racism,” explored the influence of race and racism on education.This multiphase case study examines the selected assignments completed by students who participated for one week in D.C. Findings revealed that students were able to see themselves as antiracist advocates and activists. The purpose of this study is to underscore the critical need of preparing undergraduate teacher education students for their role as future teacher leaders and activists.

Authors

• Crystal G Simmons, University of North Carolina - Wilmington

• Thea Yurkewecz-Stellato, SUNY - College at Geneseo