On the Whitewashing of Third Space in Teacher Education; or, Don’t Cite This Proposal

• In Event: School-University Partnership Paper Session: Exploring the Possibilities of School-University Partnerships

Abstract

In 2010, Zeichner introduced the theory of Third Space to school-university partnership research. This was followed by a number of other articles in which the researchers applied the same theory. In this theoretical critique and brief systematic literature review, I connect Third Space theory back to its postcolonial roots and attribute the scholars of color who created the theory. I unpack the theory’s original intent and critique research written by white teacher educators who whitewashed the theory. To accomplish this goal, I compiled the ten most cited articles on Third Space in teacher education research in a brief, focused review of the literature. I then present an exemplar that conveys the possibilities of a true Third Space teacher education program.

Author

• Jori S. Beck, College of William & Mary