Portrait of an Afro-Latina Spanish-Language Teacher: From Stories of Pain to Stories of Healing

• In Event: Intersectional Approaches to Language and Culture

Abstract

This presentation disentangles the stories and experiences of an Afro-Latina Spanish-language teacherEsperanzain a predominantly white school district in the Midwest, capturing more than 15 years of complexities relating to becoming and remaining a language education teacher. Employing narrative inquiry as a method, we shift our interest from her experiences with racism as a Black educator in a predominantly white institution to what made her flourish and continue as an educator and a leader despite her experiences with racism in schools. Data collection included pláticas, reflexive writing, and poetry writing. Fundamental in Esperanza’s decision to remain an educator were her creation of fugitive spaces and her strong personal and professional Black/Latinx community as a healing as healing spaces.

Authors

• Belén Hernando-Lloréns, University of Iowa

• L.J. Randolph, University of Wisconsin - Madison