Rising Up: Exploring a Black Woman's Experience in a Predominately White, Equity-Centered Teacher Education Program

• In Event: I’m Down With Black and Brown: Black and Brown Experiences With Whiteness, Children’s Literature, and Teacher Retention

Abstract

Teacher education (TE) programs have historically served white women and focused on white androcentric culture. In the late 20th century, some schools began including multiculturalism and equity-centered (EC) ideals, yet the student body remained predominantly white and female. This study explores how an EC TE program made up of primarily white women impacts the learning experiences of a solitary Black female. Through narrative inquiry, it was found that the white student body negatively impacted the Black student’s well-being. Still, the diverse curriculum and instructors played a prominent role and led to an overall positive learning experience.

Authors

• Michael A. Scofield, University of Florida

• Chonika Coleman-King, University of Florida