Examining Teacher-Student Racial/Ethnic Match Through the Lens of Math and Science Teachers of Color

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Teachers' Experiences in STEM (Table 10)

Abstract

Enhancing diversity among high school STEM teachers is a common strategy used to address racial disparities in STEM education, as teachers of color can provide academic benefits and set higher expectations for students of color. However, how these teachers impact their students is not well understood. Analyzing the interviews of 16 math and science teachers of color, this study explored how their racial/ethnic identities shape their perceptions, relationships, and pedagogy, particularly with students of color. Findings reveal that while teachers or color discussed their racial/ethnic identity, they also emphasized intersecting identities like gender, immigration, and class, underscoring the need for a more intersectional approach to support teachers of color and their students.

Authors

• Jeffrey Yo, University of California - Los Angeles

• Marisa Saunders, University of California - Los Angeles

• Rashmita Mistry, University of California - Los Angeles