You’re Not What We Expected: Fighting Racial and Hometown Stigmas in a Teacher Preparation Program

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: #AttendingPWIsWhileBlack: Navigating Racism and Cultivating Joy (Table 27)

Abstract

Attending college at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) can present potential challenges for students of color, particularly Black students. One potential challenge is dealing with racism and inequity on campus. Utilizing Critical Race Theory (Ladson-Billings & Tate, 1995), this study examined the college experiences of nine alumni of a Grow Your Own (GYO) Teacher Program and found that they encountered racial antagonism, isolation, and preconceived notions about their hometown from roommates, classmates, and even professors during their university enrollment. However, their GYO participation helped them by providing a safe space amongst their program peers and administrators These experiences helped impact their teaching careers, especially in their interactions with students, parents, fellow teachers, and administrators.

Author

• Ian G. Bouie, Stockton University