“Deeper Connections . . . Sight, Scents, and Textures”: Exploring Teacher Candidates of Color Experiences With Place-Based Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Transforming Teacher Education: Equipping Educators for Inclusive and Diverse Classrooms (Table 5)

Abstract

Places have a way of leaving a profound impact. The term genius loci—the spirit of a place—resonates deeply as we consider our connection to particular locations. Place-based education (PBE) immerses students in the landscape of their local communities. It is simply “anytime, anywhere learning that leverages the power of place to personalize learning…to increase engagement, learning outcomes, and community involvement” (Vander Ark, Liebtag, & McClennen, 2020). Our research explores the role of PBE for teacher candidates of color in a culturally rich urban community. We found that PBE enhanced and expanded teacher candidates' content knowledge, created opportunities for culturally responsive pedagogy in action, and forged community-school connections that highlighted the community as a rich source of knowledge.

Authors

• Tabora Johnson, Medger Evers College - CUNY

• Rachael Mitchell, Medger Evers College - CUNY

• Deborah Greenblatt, Medgar Evers College - CUNY