Navigating Equity and Inclusion: School Counselors' Resilience in Classroom Challenges (Poster 14)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 2:30 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Division E- Counseling Poster Sessions

Abstract

Ethically obligated to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within schools for all students (ASCA, 2022), school counselors, unfortunately, encounter numerous contextual challenges involving various stakeholders as they advocate for DEI through classroom lessons. The current political and social climate in the United States further complicates their role in supporting students and promoting inclusion. The current qualitative study utilized nine focus groups with 48 school counselors across the U.S. to examine their lived experiences of DEI advocacy in classrooms. Findings included two major themes: (a) Challenges in Implementing DEI Classroom Lessons and (b) Empowering Students Through DEI Initiatives.

Authors

• Jisu Lee, University of Missouri

• Michael Steven Williams, University of Missouri

• Jenny Huynh Haberski, University of Missouri

• Christopher D. Slaten, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville