Juntos es Mejor: Supporting Latinx Teachers-Cultural Guardians. Narratives of Bilingual ESL Teachers of Color.

• In Event: Empowering Bilingual Education: Cultivating Teacher Identity and Linguistic Diversity

Abstract

This qualitative case study delves into the experiences of two Latinx teachers, Mrs. Esperanza and Mrs. Paz, amidst post-pandemic disruptions on their workload, instructional strategies, and morale as bilingual and English as a second language (ESL) teachers. The study illuminates the critical need for recruiting, preparing, supporting, and retaining teachers who deeply understand and commit to serving linguistically and culturally diverse student populations with whom they share a Latinx identity. Findings are expected to provide insights into the broader issues of teacher retention and instructional adaptation and reinforce the fundamentals of having a culture of support system, particularly relevant to Latinx teachers navigating the complexities of the educational landscape.

Author

• Ana Isabel Carrasco, The University of Texas at Austin