Using Community Focus Groups to Inform the Design of an Antiracist Teacher Preparation Program

• In Event: Exploring Antiracist and Social Justice Teaching

Abstract

To “confront the challenge of racism through research-informed action” (Howard, 2023), we offer a paper describing a research study that informed design of an aspiring anti-racist elementary teacher preparation program. The focus group study is framed by a collaboratively constructed conceptual framework for anti-racist teaching and teacher preparation. Findings indicate that participating alumni and community leaders of Color value teacher candidate opportunities to engage with communities beyond the school and to develop concrete strategies for applying their critical theoretical knowledge in the classroom. Implications for program design are explored, along with the complexities of designing an intentionally anti-racist program within the context of white supremacy culture as it manifests in the policies, procedures, and politics of institutions of higher education.

Authors

• Dot McElhone, Portland State University

• Victor Begay, Arizona State University

• Olivia Jo Murray, Portland State University

• Shanté Stuart McQueen, Portland State University

• Lauren Vega ONeil, Portland State University